Honoring the Past, Passing the Torch – San Kiang Charitable Association’s 2025 Qingming Festival Memorial Event

Author: Ronggang Bao

As the spring breeze gently blows, today marks the San Kiang Charitable Association’s annual Qingming Festival memorial day. Qingming, a time-honored tradition in Chinese culture, is a solemn occasion for remembering our ancestors, paying tribute to their legacy, and practicing the Confucian virtue of filial piety. As always, the Association organized members to visit four cemeteries to pay respects to our predecessors and former leaders, expressing our deep respect and remembrance.

Early in the morning, volunteer board members arrived at the Association to prepare and distribute flowers, water, and bread—carefully organized by the number of participants at each cemetery. These materials were thoughtfully prepared in advance by Chairperson Chen Qinlian, Vice Chairperson Sun Yongzhong, and Secretary Chen Qunhui. Volunteers worked together seamlessly, helping elderly members carry items and assisting them in getting on and off vehicles, embodying the caring and supportive spirit of the San Kiang family.

Given that multiple fire incidents related to grave sweeping have occurred this year, the Association placed special emphasis on safety. All members strictly followed fire safety regulations, ensuring that incense and all fire sources were fully extinguished before leaving the cemeteries. The entire process was carried out smoothly and safely.

This annual memorial activity is not only a ritual of remembrance but also an important expression of the San Kiang Charitable Association’s commitment to preserving Chinese culture and the traditions of our Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi heritage. Through this act of honoring the past, we are reminded of the invaluable spirit of unity, mutual support, and perseverance that our predecessors demonstrated as early Chinese immigrants.

We understand deeply that cultural inheritance lies not only in ceremony but also in the recognition and participation of the next generation. That’s why the Association continues to prioritize cultural education among youth—helping them understand their roots, their stories, and their heritage. Only then can the San Kiang family grow warmer and stronger, and only then can the rich traditions of Chinese culture flourish and be passed on overseas.

Today’s Qingming memorial was both a spiritual tribute and a living act of cultural transmission. The San Kiang Charitable Association remains committed to this responsibility and will continue to work with all members to ensure that the beauty and wisdom of Chinese traditions take root and blossom far from home.