Long Journey Ahead: My Red Army Career

Author: Yuan Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: When a person enters their twilight years, they often develop a sentiment of cherishing time and longing for the world. They tend to hold onto the fleeting moments like a gentle stream, reminiscing about their winding life journey, searching for the deep and shallow footprints they have left behind, and reliving the sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy experiences, as well as the joys and sorrows. I left my impoverished mountain village and plunged into the tide of revolution. With a shining red star on my head, I basked in sunlight and rain, endured the baptism of war, and walked through a, step by step, leaving behind imprints. However, a is not smooth; it also has ups and downs, thrilling moments, beautiful scenes, touching stories, and lingering emotions.
I have a special fondness for my time in the Red Army. Because joining the Red Army was the starting point of my revolutionary journey, because I grew up in the Red Army, and because the Red Army's 25,000-li march created a miracle of the human world. In this unparalleled army, my fellow soldiers and I experienced rare hardships and trials, moving in and out of gun fire, galloping amidst the glow of gunfire. With sincerity and enthusiasm, with life and blood, we forged indelible and unforgettably deep bonds. For decades, I have maintained contact with my fellow soldiers, recalling our life in the Red Army. Whenever I had the chance, I would chat with our leaders and comrades about our past experiences.
In November 1964, Xie Jingu, the Vice Governor of Liaoning Province and a former "horse groom," visited Jinggang Mountain. During our visit, we discussed the Red Army's crossing of the Yellow River and its westward campaign where the three main forces reunited. We talked from dusk till dawn. In December of that year, I traveled to Beijing to attend the Third National People's Congress and paid a special visit to Li Jingquan, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the former Secretary of the Southwest Bureau, to reflect on the changes and events before and after the Long March. I was filled with emotion. In April 1965, Wang Dongxing, the Deputy Minister of Public Security, was preparing for Chairman Mao's return to Jinggang Mountain. I had an interesting conversation with him about the three gorges battle when the Red Army entered Shaanxi.
Whenever I recall and talk about the heroic years of the past, my heart surges with emotion, and I become filled with excitement. This desire to record the events truthfully grows stronger every day, and my urge becomes more intense. So, I picked up a pen and paper to write, expressing my respect for the leaders who guided me on my long life journey, cherishing the memories of my comrades who sacrificed their blood and lives for the revolution, and also hoping to show future generations a glimpse of the vast life of the Red Army.