The Long March is a long and arduous journey. The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, in order to save the flame of revolution, had to withdraw from the Soviet zone. After two years and hundreds of battles, the three main forces finally joined forces, ending this long march and marking a new starting point for the Red Army. Only the participants of the Long March can deeply understand this bumpy road. In addition to the long distance and harsh environment, they are also constantly facing the pursuit and encirclement of the enemy. Many of the warriors fell, and those who were able to walk the whole way were the lucky ones. Today I would like to introduce a founding general who made an immortal contribution to the revolutionary cause.
Although he is 110 years old, he is in good health and always cares about the development of his hometown. He was the only surviving founding general who participated in the Long March, a witness to the revolution, and a shining star in the glorious years. His story has inspired generations of people, and he is General Zhang Lixiong. General Zhang Lixiong was born in 1913 to a difficult family and began working in a factory at the age of 11. The emaciated body shuttles between the tall machines, often injured by unskill. Such a childhood was full of depression, and he deeply felt the injustice of fate, and deeply doubted the miserable plight of the poor.
It wasn't until he was 16 years old that he came into contact with a man who brought revolutionary ideas that stirred up ripples in his heart. From then on, he chose to resist and became a loyal defender of the party. Zhang Lixiong went through the hardships of the revolution, tempered his tenacious character, and grew into an outstanding revolutionary military leader. He left a mark on history, being awarded the rank of colonel in 1955 and promoted to the founding major general six years later. After his retirement, General Zhang Lixiong devoted himself to the construction of his hometown and donated generously.
Even if he is in urgent need of funds, he is not stingy, and hopes that the children in his hometown will get more learning opportunities and cultivate more construction talents for the country. Veteran General Zhang Lixiong's full support for the cause of education stems from his deep resonance. Since childhood, due to the poverty of his family, he lost his happy childhood, and he was unable to obtain an education, so he could only engage in hard work. Fortunately, after joining the Communist Party, he received organizational training, continued to study hard, emancipated his mind, became an outstanding founding general, and achieved brilliant achievements.
It is all these experiences that have made him deeply understand the importance of learning - only by mastering knowledge and increasing wisdom can people be excellent, change their destiny and realize their ideals. When he returned to his hometown and saw that poverty was preventing the children from going to school, he seemed to see his own shadow and was determined to help them. Despite his limited savings, he believes that others will also give their love to give their children a brighter future. This spirit is an example, a feeling, and the consciousness of party members and cadres. This tenacious, courageous, and loving revolutionary predecessor is admirable.
It has been nearly 70 years since the first award, and most of the founding generals are no longer alive, but the 110-year-old veteran General Zhang Lixiong is still healthy, which is really fortunate for the country and the nation. I hope that he can continue to maintain an optimistic attitude, enjoy his retirement, and witness the strength of his motherland.