If I could, I would have stopped all the TV stations from rebroadcasting any video recording the aftermaths of devastating May 12 earthquake which hit southwest China last year and claimed more than 69,000 lives.

If I could, I would have forbidden the term "the first anniversary of the earthquake" from print by any newspaper or magazine.

If I could, I would have stopped reporters as well as quake ruin visitors from entry into quake-jolted areas.

Some names would never be gone beyond our memories even if we didn't mention them, as they were the names of heroes.

Some deceased would always make us feel pain even though we didn't know their names at all, as they are our fellow countrymen.

Some work of reconstruction would not come to a stop at all until new homes for survivors are built as they are part of our obligations.

Then why should we mark the day of May 12 so "loudly and noisily"? Why should we use flocks of journalists and broad press coverage to remind quake survivors of all that miserable and heartbroken memories? Why should we force them to express their gratitude in front of the cold cameras?

Except for various memorial activities commemorating the first anniversary of the May 12 Wenchuan earthquake, we still have a lot else to do:

We could remember the victims of the catastrophic quake instead of simply doing so on May 12.

We could do what we can to help relieve survivors instead of disturbing their lives.

We could provide mental intervention services to them instead of including non-professional people in psychological aid teams.

In short, we could mark the special day - May 12th, more quietly and humanely.

(CRIENGLISH.com May 11, 2009)