Iris Chang Memorial Fund has announced the Iris Chang Memorial Essay Contest 2007.
2007 marks the 70th anniversary of the Rape of Nanking. The Nanking Massacre was but one of the massive atrocious genocide the Imperial Japan committed during their aggression to China in WWII. From 1931 to 1945, Imperial Japanese military committed innumerable atrocities throughout Asia. But, up to this date, Japan continues to evade the responsibility of its heinous war crimes. The tension and animosity between Asian countries and Japan stem from this unresolved past; and that undermines the stability and peace in the Asian region, and beyond.
The contest is intended to promote the awareness of the importance of remembering history. The essays will be in line with Iris Chang's spirit and passion in seeking the truth and justice as well as defending human rights.
The 2007 essay contest topic is The Denial and Its Cost - Reflections on Nanking Massacre 70 years ago and beyond Deadline of essay submission is June 30, 2007 Announcement of awards: Early November, 2007 Three best essays will be selected from all entries. The awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners are $1,000, $500 and $300, respectively. In addition, several honorable mention winners will be awarded with $50 each.
There is a special award added this year: Iris Chang Youth Award. An award of $200 each to the top three essays submitted by high school students. Only high school students whose essays are not selected for the overall top three prizes are eligible for these awards. All are eligible to enter the contest. Entrants shall comply with the contest rules and regulations as laid out and posted on the web by the Global Alliance/Iris Chang Memorial Fund. www.irischangmemorialfund.org The essay submitted must be original and previously unpublished. The language of the text must be English. The essay must be typed and less than 2,500 words. An electronic text file in Microsoft Word document or Word compatible format is strongly preferred.
Essay to be submitted by e-mail (strongly preferred): essay@irischangmemorialfund.org or by postal mail: Iris Chang Memorial Essay Contest, P. O. Box 641324, San Jose, CA 95164