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Jimu News reporter Chen Qian

Photographer Xiao Hao

Correspondent Cai Peiliang

This year, due to team adjustments, the veterans’ team, which was originally scheduled to be the third to enter the water, became the first red flag team to enter the water. This is also the first time that the veterans’ team entered the water as the “vanguard” of the Wuhan Crossing the River Festival.

The first group (Photo taken by Jimu News reporter Xiao Hao)

At around 7 a.m. on August 8, when the Jimu News reporter arrived at the launching point under the Wuchang bridgehead of the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, the members of the Wuchang District "Yangtze River Guardians" retired military volunteer service team were already ready to go. The words "Yangtze River Guardians" on the back of their swimsuits were very eye-catching, and they contrasted with the red flags on the swimming rings beside each person.

Wang Kaixiong, a member of the square team and director of the Wuchang District Veterans Affairs Bureau, said that the Red Flag Square Team is composed of the Wuchang District "Yangtze River Guardian" Veterans Volunteer Service Team, with more than 40 veterans among the 70 members. This year's Wuhan Crossing the River Festival was postponed due to flood prevention and other reasons, and the original team was also adjusted. They received a notice at the end of July to serve as the "vanguard" of the mass square team and be the first to enter the water as the Red Flag Square Team. In order to complete this glorious task, the team members used their spare time to organize three trial crossings and find out the route and water conditions.

There are some letters and symbols on Wang Kaixiong's arm. These are marks made by the team members so that everyone can accurately find their position in the team and maintain the formation in the strong wind and waves. Even in the early morning, the heat wave in Wuhan has begun to show its power. Spray trucks are used on site to cool down the players. On everyone's face, water mist and sweat are intertwined, but they can't hide their pride.

Retired soldier Gao Fei learned to swim after he retired in 2012. He said that he used to participate in many marathon events, but after the establishment of the veterans affairs department, he participated in more volunteer activities, especially after the establishment of the Wuchang District "Yangtze River Guardian" veterans volunteer service team in 2019, he participated in many volunteer service activities as one of the earliest team members, and also participated in three crossing the Yangtze River festivals. Gao Fei said that he felt very honored to cross the Yangtze River as a "vanguard" this time, and he also hoped that more veterans would join the ranks of the "Yangtze River Guardian" and contribute more to the protection of the Yangtze River.

Retired soldier Zhang Dewei himself can't remember how many times he has participated in the Wuhan River Crossing Festival. "I have been able to swim since I was a child, and I have participated in the Wuhan River Crossing Festival about 6 to 8 times." He joined the army in 1991, and chose to find a job after retiring in 2003. In 2019, he joined the Wuchang District "Yangtze River Guardian" volunteer service team. He said that as a retired soldier, he felt very proud to be a member of the first red flag team to go into the water.

At 7:30 a.m. on August 8, the team members lifted a large signboard that read "Crossing the Yangtze River", lined up to go into the water, and swam towards the finish line at Sanyang Square on the Hankou River Beach.

(Source: Jimu News)

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