At the Foot of Mount Lou, the Torch is Passed Down

The majestic pass stretches far, the red bloodline continues to burn brightly.

At the foot of the Zunyi Loushanguan battle site, Air Force instructor Chen Liang grew up listening to stories of the Red Army. From a boy who received help to pursue his studies to a soldier serving his country, he internalizes the spirit of the Long March and expresses it through action, continuously passing on love and kindness, embodying the original intention and responsibility of a Communist Party member.

Chen Liang. (Photo provided by the interviewee's unit)

Chen Liang's hometown is only three kilometers from the Loushanguan Red Army battle site. His grandmother often told him stories of a red past that took place in their old house: Red Army soldiers once stayed at their home, and the soldiers were disciplined, neatly placing the borrowed door boards back before leaving. The stories of the Long March passed down through generations planted the seeds of red in his young heart. "No matter how far we go, we must not forget our roots or our origins." The teachings of his elders are deeply engraved in his heart.

In his youth, Chen Liang's family was poor, and he was able to complete his studies thanks to donations. He has always been grateful for this warmth that came at a critical time. After joining the military, Chen Liang sought out his benefactors, hoping to thank them in person, but he was unable to find them. Colleagues from the local education department told him that seeing him grow and serve the country was the best way to repay that kindness. Unable to find his benefactors, he resolved to continue passing on this warmth to more people in need.

Theoretical cavalry team takes position, Chen Liang delivers a speech on the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party to the officers and soldiers. (Photo provided by the interviewee's unit)

After becoming an instructor in the military, Chen Liang focused on ideological and political education while leading efforts to provide educational assistance. Previously, educational support in the unit relied mainly on the voluntary participation of officers and soldiers. Under his influence, many officers and soldiers actively joined the educational assistance team to help academically outstanding but underprivileged students. During visits to rural areas, many children faced adversity yet remained resilient, and a wall full of awards in one home deeply moved Chen Liang and his comrades. Chen Liang said that assistance is a two-way healing process; we help children grow, and their pure upward strength also cleanses our restless hearts. While providing educational assistance, he also brought national defense education to schools, sowing the seeds of patriotism and strengthening the military spirit in the hearts of the youth.

As a grassroots instructor, Chen Liang understands that remembering history is a mandatory lesson for soldiers. On important anniversaries, he organizes officers and soldiers to engage in historical education, guiding everyone to reflect on the glorious past and question their original intentions for joining the military. "If you don't know where you come from, it's easy to fall into confusion, becoming like water without a source or a tree without roots." During his lectures, he often shares the stories of the Red Army at Loushanguan with the officers and soldiers, guiding them to inherit the spirit of the Long March, uphold their original intentions, and forge a strong military soul.

The flames of war at Loushanguan have long since faded, but the spirit of the Long March is passed down through generations. Chen Liang, through his dedication and commitment, continues to carry the red flame from Loushanguan to even farther places.