Tracing the Footprints of the Red Army and Promoting the Spirit of the Long March

The Armed Police Officers“ Academy Organizes a ”Retracing the Long March" Event

    “A soldier travels the world on foot; the Four Crossings of the Chishui River were a masterstroke…”

    In the sweltering heat of midsummer, near the historic site of the Tucheng Ferry on the Long March route, dozens of cadets and officers from the Armed Police Officers Academy sang the revolutionary song “Four Crossings of the Chishui River: A Surprise Maneuver” in unison, collectively reflecting on the hardships the Red Army endured while crossing snow-capped mountains and traversing the grasslands, as well as the iron will of the revolutionary soldiers.

    On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March by the Chinese Workers“ and Peasants” Red Army, the Armed Police Officers’ Academy organized a group of outstanding Communist Party members and representatives of outstanding Party affairs workers to participate in the “Retracing the Long March” activity, to reflect on the hardships and glories experienced by their predecessors, carry on the revolutionary legacy, and promote the spirit of the Long March.

    Over the course of 13 days, they traveled more than 5,000 kilometers along the route of the Central Red Army’s Long March, visiting 23 revolutionary historic sites—including Daijing in Jinggangshan, Jinshuzhuoba in Ruijin, and Yangjialing in Yan’an—and touring 11 memorial venues such as the Zunyi Conference Memorial Hall, the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, and paid their respects at five martyrs“ cemeteries, including the Zunyi Red Army Hill. They also participated in activities such as renewing their Party admission oaths, visiting revolutionary historic sites, listening to stories of the Long March, and meeting descendants of Red Army soldiers. During the event, participants focused on exploring the history of the ”Red Army Cadet Corps during the Long March”—a period characterized by both education and combat—thereby further clarifying the historical heritage and responsibilities of military academies.

    Before setting out, the officers and soldiers did their “homework” thoroughly. Whenever they arrived at a historic site, they studied the relevant history of the Long March. Du Lexiu, a lecturer in the History Department of the college’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences who served as a guide for the group, said: “ ”This activity is not merely a reenactment of the Long March; it is, above all, a practical experience to purify our souls, strengthen our ideals and convictions, and reaffirm our commitment to building a strong military. Upon our return, we must ensure that we carry forward and put into practice the spirit of the Red Army.”

    At the August 1 Nanchang Uprising Memorial Square, the participating officers and soldiers reflected on the critical moment of “the first shot of armed resistance”; walking along the Huangyangjie Grain-Carrying Trail, they experienced the spirit of hard work and unity in the face of adversity amid the rain; At the Jinggangshan Martyrs’ Cemetery, everyone bowed slowly to pay tribute and mourn the revolutionary martyrs; at the site of the Battle of Lou Mountain Pass, they collectively recited Chairman Mao’s poem “Recalling Qin E: Lou Mountain Pass,” recalling the desolate scenes of the rugged mountain pass; At the Zhang Side Memorial Square in Yan’an, we collectively recited Chairman Mao’s essay “Serving the People,” further tracing our roots and reaffirming the Party’s purpose; at the foot of Jiajin Mountain, we reflected on the lofty ideals of the revolution, which soared higher than the heavens.

    “I voluntarily join the Communist Party of China and uphold the Party’s program…” At the Yeping Memorial Park in Ruijin, the participating officers and soldiers unfurled a bright red Party flag and renewed their oath of Party membership at the very spot where revolutionary forebears once fought fiercely and gave their lives to defend it, thereby paying tribute to the revolutionary martyrs. When discussing the original intent behind this event, Zhang Liangdong, the academy’s president, said: “We must never forget ‘who we are’ or ‘for whom we serve’; the spirit of the Long March deserves to be forever remembered and passed down. ”By organizing this reenactment, we aim to remember history, stay true to our original aspirations, and never forget the hardships and glories, the twists and turns, and the victories experienced by our forebears. We seek to further promote the contemporary brilliance of the Long March spirit and fulfill the historical mission of military academies in the journey to strengthen our armed forces.”

                                  (Hao Yanbo, Zhao Pengfei)

Contact Information: Armed Police Officers Academy, No. 489, Section 1, Jingxiao Road, Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province

      13438998855 Hao Yanbo