Dr. Bethune: Unknown Treasure

7 Dr. Bethune: Unknown Treasure Sometimes, it takes a stranger to point out a great treasure nearby. This is especially true in the case of Dr. Norman Bethune-the doctor who left his homeland in Canada to fight injustice wherever he found it in the world. Nearly every Chinese person has heard about Dr. Bethune and his selfless dedication to helping the Chinese during the war. However, this great hero does not enjoy such fame in Canada. In fact, until recently, he was nearly unknown in the country of his birth. In China, Dr. Bethune is honoured and loved for the tireless medical help he provided during the struggle against the invading army. When he died, he was buried in Shijiazhuang with full honours. Since then, statues have been erected in his honour. Schools have been named after him. Chairman Mao even wrote a moving speech entitled In Memory of Norman Bethune.

But the picture is completely different in his homeland. For many years, Dr. Bethune was unknown to his fellow Canadians. No one erected a statue to honour him. In fact, for almost 35 years after his death, no one really cared about remembering him. Things are changing though. In 1973, the government of Canada purchased a house in Gravenhurst, Ontario where Dr. Bethune was born and raised. It was restored and converted into a museum in 1976. Slowly, people began to learn about Dr. Bethune. The more they learned, the more they came to respect him and his work in Spain, and later in China. While Canadians slowly learn about Dr. Bethune, the Chinese never forget him. When the Bethune House opened in 1976, the Chinese government presented a beautiful bronze statue of Dr. Bethune and members of the 8th Route Army. It is proudly displayed there to this day. Every year, many Chinese tourists and other visitors to Canada visit the Bethune House. They bring gifts and leave them there out of respect and love for the selfless doctor. That's how it is sometimes. It takes a stranger to reveal a treasure that's right in front of you.