August 1st Special Issue: Long Island Years｜Welcome old comrades home
2024-08-19
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Text and photos by Xia Tianyang
recently
Stationed on Dazhushan Island deep in the Bohai Sea
The Fifth Company of a Coastal Defense Brigade in the Northern Theater Command
Welcome veterans to trace their roots
Nearly 100 veterans from the 31st Garrison Regiment
Across the long river of time, with thoughts of the military camp
Return to this land where youth and sweat once flew
This is an encounter across time and space
It is a reunion on an island.
Let's follow the camera
Let’s go on the sea road again
Return to the old island
(The soldiers guarding the island lined up at the dock, waiting for the veterans to disembark and land on the island)
8:00am
All the officers and soldiers of the company gathered at the dock and lined up in strict order.
The weather is fine and the breeze is not dry
In the expectant eyes of all the officers and soldiers in the company
The ship carrying the old island elders
Coming against the wind and waves
(Veteran Yang Jinye got off the boat and landed on the island, his heart pounding)
“Dazhushan, I’m back!”
With loud and cordial shouts
Excited faces came into view of the officers and soldiers
“I'm finally home, after more than 40 years!”
Accompanied by sincere and heartfelt sighs
Tears of happiness melt into my second hometown
(The veterans took a "family photo" with the soldiers guarding the island)
“Welcome home old comrade！”
Instant
The drums of war roared, the applause was thunderous
At this moment, the pendulum of time quietly turns back
It's as if life has returned to their youth.
At this moment, the passion of youth is flying again
Awakening the military memories buried deep in the heart
(The old comrades walked firmly and powerfully)
at the same time
Jia Ping, a model of supporting the military in Shandong Province - "Mother Jia"
Also brought the "Soldiers' Mother Volunteer Service Team" to the island
Send cordial condolences to the soldiers guarding the island
(Mother Jia warmly greets the soldiers guarding the island)
Walk Beijing Road again
Another look at the old barracks
The old-timers ignored the increasingly hot weather
After decades, I once again measured the military camp with my feet
This was their training ground.
There is a wall of honor that witnesses their growth and success
Wrinkles and white hair faded their youthful faces
But in those eyes that sparkle with spirit
The youthful image of contributing to coastal defense emerges again
(In the hot summer, the soldiers guarding the island prepared watermelons and mineral water for the veterans)
In this dialogue between the old and the new
We also witnessed a reunion across time and space
Yan Weize, the third battalion commander of Dazhushan Island
And another group of officers and soldiers who are now rooted on the island
In this second homeland that we all love
Achieving a dialogue between history and the present
(As a representative of veterans, Yan Weize was invited to give a speech to the soldiers guarding the island)
Rooted on the island for 15 years
Never left the island
From soldier to battalion commander
What changes is the job level, but the original intention remains unchanged
Yan Weize demonstrates his loyalty with practical actions
Recognized by Jinan Military Region as an outstanding grassroots cadre
Established a good image of the old island spirit
A towering monument dedicated to coastal defense
(The company's meritorious model wall still records the glorious deeds of senior Yan Weize)
“This is where we fought
It is also our common hometown
Seeing you now one by one
Full of energy and high spirits
I feel very proud
I hope you can take root on the island and defend your country.
Comrades, thank you for your hard work! "
The earnest teachings of senior Yan Weize
Sincere and sincere
Inject a dose of
A shot in the arm for coastal defense
(Salute each other in front of the inspirational wall, inheriting the old and the new across time and space)
“This activity not only satisfies the veterans
Go home often to make your dream come true in Dazhushan
It also embodies the original aspirations of generations of soldiers who built and guarded the islands.
Veterans tell their stories of past struggles
Let the old island spirit move from the rich history into reality
Go to the officers and soldiers, and go into their hearts
Inspire us to inherit the old island spirit
Strive to be the successor of the old island in the new era
We will work tirelessly to forge comprehensive and high-quality marine steel nails.”
Yuan Xu, the company's political instructor, said:
(Instructor Yu Weisheng and other veterans led the veterans to walk along Beijing Road again)
At 11 o'clock in the morning, the old veterans reluctantly boarded the ship and left.
All officers and soldiers of the company lined up at the dock and saluted solemnly
In the words of goodbye and take care
The figure of the old predecessor gradually faded away
Reunion is always short-lived
But in the hearts of every officer and soldier in the company
The new and old inheritance of the old island spirit
The goal of strengthening the military will be achieved
Together we take root in Dazhushan Island
To achieve the goal of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army
Steel quenching and riding the waves
(All officers and soldiers of the company line up to salute and bid farewell to their old seniors, "Old comrades - Goodbye!")
Written on August 18, 2024, compiled by Yu Bo
About the author: Xia Tianyang was born in 2001 in Zibo, Shandong Province. He graduated from the School of Literature of Anhui University and is currently serving in a unit of the People's Liberation Army of China.
One Point Island Dream
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