Ode To Peace

A Grand Musical and Dance Epic, Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in World War II

Peace is a call of the soul that transcends time and space; it is an eternal aspiration that transcends civilization.

In 2025, as we look back on the coordinates of history, the horrific catastrophe that engulfed over sixty nations and claimed billions of lives still resonates with every peace-loving advocate. Eighty years ago, the sword of justice severed the shackles of fascism, and the dawn of peace once again bathed the world. In 2025, the Chinese community in Minnesota held a solemn and ceremonial “Ode to Peace” commemoration, both to remember history and to safeguard the eternal light of human civilization—a spiritual legacy that transcends time and space, and a profound historical tribute from overseas Chinese.

As the flames of World War II ripped across the sky, the Chinese, under the iron hoof of Japanese militarism, witnessed one of the darkest episodes in the history of human civilization. Amidst the shattered mountains and rivers, the pain of millions of countrymen and countrywomen killed and wounded remains; in times of national peril, the heroic deeds of overseas Chinese, who sacrificed their homes to help their country, endure forever. From the life-saving transport routes of the Nanyang machinists, to the Hump Route of the Flying Tigers, to the national salvation bonds pledged by overseas Chinese in America, the descendants of Yan and Huang forged the Great Wall.

Eighty years have passed, yet the alarm bells of history continue to ring. Our “Ode to Peace” is meant to remind our descendants of the unforgivable crimes committed by fascism around the world, so that the next generation will not forget history and cherish peace; our “Ode to Peace” is meant to showcase the indelible historical contributions made by the Chinese people to the great cause of defeating world fascism and striving for human peace; our “Ode to Peace” is meant to perpetuate the conviction of overseas Chinese to remember history and cherish peace.

On this historic occasion, the Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations, The Center for Community Service , CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, Minnesota Minghua Chinese School, China Tribune, Xu Qian Music Center, Minghua Chorus, the Plymouth Concert Band, and the Peking University Alumni Association-Minnesota will collaborate with numerous community groups to create a multi-dimensional artistic program. Documentary images will recreate bloody memories, resonant music will resonate with historical echoes, and a blend of firmness and softness will embody the spirit of the nation. This will showcase the indomitable heroism of the Chinese nation and express the aspirations of our fellow overseas for peace. The participation of the American wind ensemble, the Plymouth Concert Band, is particularly significant, adding vitality to the commemorative activities and providing a new platform for creative and artistic exchange.

Standing at a new starting point in history, let us use art as a bridge to transform the memory of war into the gene; use civilization as a torch to let the light of history illuminate the way forward. We sincerely invite you to compose this ” Ode to Peace” together. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

We will hold a series of commemorative activities at the famous O’Shaughnessy Theater on October 12 : a World War II historical photo exhibition, lectures and a commemorative performance for the 80th anniversary – a large-scale music and dance epic “Ode to Peace”. We welcome everyone to donate to this event. The Minnesota Chinese Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations will be issued with receipts for tax deduction purposes.

You can use the Paypal link:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/pay ment/B4SPYK9TS9Y34

You can also send a check to:
Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations
1056 Highway 96 E #270714
St. Paul, MN55127

Thank you very much for your donation. Your support will make this event rich and colorful and of great historical significance.

Editor’s note: This article was submitted and prepared by the organizers of the event so ChinaInsight assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.