[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO MINNIE VAUTRIN, ``AMERICAN GODDESS OF MERCY''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Minnie Vautrin, an 
American woman and missionary whose heroism changed the course of 
history during World War II.
  Japan's violent occupation of then-capital Nanking, China, 
historically known as the Rape of Nanking, claimed the lives of 
hundreds of thousands of innocent Chinese men, women and children and 
left its mark on history as one of the most brutal massacres and crimes 
against humanity of the 20th Century. An estimated 300,000 Chinese 
civilians were killed, and an estimated 20,000 women were raped, with 
some estimates as high as 80,000.
  Minnie Vautrin, a missionary who worked at a women's college in 
Nanking, courageously stood against the Japanese Imperial Army. A 
native of Illinois, she was one of the few Americans in the region when 
the Japanese army invaded Nanking.
  By using the American flag and proclamations issued by the American 
Embassy in China maintaining the college as a sanctuary, Minnie helped 
repel incursions into the college, where thousands of women and 
children sought protection from the Japanese army. She often risked her 
own life to defend the lives of thousands of Chinese civilians.
  Her devotion during this horrific event earned her the nickname 
``American Goddess of Mercy'' among the people of Nanking, where she is 
fondly remembered. Her heroic actions and unparalleled efforts to save 
lives deserve to be recognized. Sadly, her story is relatively unknown.
  Today, on the 121st anniversary of her birth, I would like to honor 
Ms. Vautrin for her sacrifice, courage, humanity, and commitment to 
peace and justice during the violent Rape of Nanking. Minnie Vautrin's 
story defines patriotism and heroism in the midst of war.
  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues for joining me in remembering 
this phenomenal yet unsung heroine. To the thousands of innocent men, 
women and children whose lives were spared because of Minnie Vautrin's 
bold courage, she will never be forgotten.

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