We all remember your wishes…
Today, October 25th, marks the 74th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army’s departure to fight in the Korean War. Seventy-four years ago, under the leadership of Peng Dehuai, the brave soldiers marched across the Yalu River, ready to engage in battle in Korea.
Reflecting on this historic moment, we remember those extraordinary individuals who, driven by love for their homeland and a deep sense of duty, fought fiercely for the happiness of the people. Their aspirations were quietly woven into the fabric of everyday life.
As we look back, we ask ourselves: Have the dreams of the Volunteer Army been realized? In their final hours, many expressed simple desires—a new pair of leather shoes, a photo in front of Tiananmen Square, or the chance to return home and start a family.
One such hero, Sun Zhanyuan, shared his dreams with his comrades on the eve of a fierce battle. He said, “If I could wear a pair of leather shoes, take a photo in front of Tiananmen, and someday go home to marry, I would be completely satisfied.” Tragically, during the Battle of Shangganling, Sun lost both legs but chose to pull the pin on a grenade, taking out the enemy with him.
After the war, his comrade Yi Caixue couldn’t forget Sun’s unfulfilled wishes. On his deathbed, he told his son, Yi Xinqian, “Make sure to visit Sun’s hometown for me and deliver a pair of leather shoes.” In 2014, Yi Xinqian honored his father’s promise by placing a new pair of shoes at the statue of Sun Zhanyuan, saying, “Uncle Sun, we brought you shoes.”
The wishes of these heroes spanned from wanting to explore a victorious homeland to sharing moments with loved ones. As over 70 years have passed, 99-year-old volunteer veteran Wang Fenghe reminisces about a cherished moment with his fallen comrade Wang Zhehou. “Wang Zhehou, why do you keep looking back?” Zhehou replied, “Beijing was our liberation. I’ve been there but haven’t seen enough of my country.” In the end, despite the perilous battles, only a handful of soldiers survived, and Zhehou’s dreams of seeing China remained unfulfilled.
Meanwhile, as preparations for their weddings neared, many took to the front lines. Cao Yu Hai, upon crossing the Yalu River, wrote a heartfelt letter to his fiancée, expressing, “It’s not that I don’t want happiness, but for the sake of peace and the happiness of workers globally, I must go to war.” He was only 28 when he sacrificed his life, all while worrying about his fiancée’s future.
The longing for family was another common theme among the soldiers. Xu Yucheng, who joined the revolution at just 16 and never returned home, lamented the years apart as he finally had a chance to write home. In a letter, he asked, “How are the lives of people in our homeland now?” Sadly, he lost his life rescuing his wounded comrades at the young age of 20, never achieving his dream of a family photo.
Li Changyan, the inspiration behind the character Wu Qianli from the film “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” led his men in a fierce battle during one of the coldest winters in history. Reflecting on their mission, he urged his troops, “Fight with everything you have! We’re doing this for our fallen comrade.” They succeeded in a critical operation, defeating the enemy but also carrying with them the burden of loss.
After the war, Li Changyan expressed a heartfelt wish: “I hope the younger generation remembers how hard-won today’s peace is.”
The longing to return home bound each soldier, yet in the name of duty and sacrifice, 197,653 brave souls gave their lives. “Wait for me to return home,” was the promise they made when they left, while “Carry me home” reflected their unfulfilled wishes and the hopes their loved ones still cherish.
Today, as we live in peace and prosperity, we remember and honor those who fought so valiantly. Their victory in the Korean War will forever be etched in the annals of our nation’s history. May the heroes rest, and know that we will safeguard the land they defended with such courage. Let us never forget their legacy and the most admirable among us.
