The "Nail Soldier" of the 93rd Military Parade Regrets Turned into Backup, Surprising His Family When He Returns Home for the New Year

For An Fenghao, a third-year student at the Rocket Force Engineering University, the key word for being 20 is growth and transformation. After a rigorous selection process, he became a "nail soldier" in the parade for the 93rd anniversary, but was turned into a backup due to an injury during training just before the mission.

When the glory and regret settle into calm, what new growth does he have? During the reunion, how will he share with his family?

For 20-year-old An Fenghao, a student at the Rocket Force Engineering University, this Spring Festival holds special significance, as it is both a time for reunion and a moment to showcase the achievements of the past year.

Rocket Force Engineering University student An Fenghao: This is proof of some of my hard work during this time. This honor certificate is a recognition I received during a phased evaluation while participating in the mission. I want to bring this honor home and share this joy with my family. This is the 80th anniversary emblem worn on the uniform during the parade. This is a photo of our Rocket Force formation.

In addition to these proofs of hard work, An Fenghao is also planning to give his parents a bigger surprise.

Rocket Force Engineering University student An Fenghao: Previously, when I was in contact with my family, I never told them the specific situation during our phone calls. At that time, my mom joked, asking if I was really going to participate in the parade. I told her that I would wear this uniform when I got home to show her. I was thinking of changing into this uniform right at my doorstep to surprise my mom.

Last year's stunning parade that shocked the world is also a deeply etched memory for An Fenghao. Just two months before the mission, the persistent pain and the doctor's advice to suspend training felt like a cold shower, extinguishing his dream of marching through Tiananmen. This 20-year-old young man completed the most precious growth amidst pain and choices.

Rocket Force Engineering University student An Fenghao: My growth and gains are not just because I was the last to walk through Tiananmen; I made some changes gradually during the process.

After completing the parade mission and returning to school, An Fenghao posted on social media: "Applause will eventually fade, flowers will inevitably wither, but only the resilience in my heart will shine brightly through the years."

Rocket Force Engineering University student An Fenghao: During that time, the schedule was very tight, and I had to study the courses of two semesters at once, basically trying to catch up with everyone and regain my previous state. After returning, I want to be like a seed, blooming in every corner of the school, spreading the spirit of the parade and my gains.

From an ordinary local youth to a qualified Rocket Force soldier, his goals are becoming clearer.

Rocket Force Engineering University student An Fenghao: After graduation, I have a direction, which is to guard the country and its borders. I want to shine and heat up in difficult and remote places where the country needs me.

At the end of the semester, we followed An Fenghao on his journey back home. On the train, he talked to me about his ideals again.

Rocket Force Engineering University student An Fenghao: Since I enrolled, the most impressive sentence to me is "Do earth-shattering things, be an anonymous person." This profession has very high confidentiality requirements, so many people have dedicated their lives to this cause. I think it is very cool to quietly and seriously do these things in a corner where I am not seen, putting in my energy and passion.

As he neared home, An Fenghao changed into his parade uniform. Previously, when faced with repeated questions from his parents and younger brother, he "cleverly" concealed the time of his return home, surprising them by appearing in the restaurant run by his parents. After a year apart, at this moment, he is not only a future soldier guarding the country but also a son returning home.

In the evening, back at home, the family sat together, and An Fenghao shared his experiences and growth with them.

An Fenghao's grandfather An Wencai: This time, seeing the changes, he has a bit of charisma; I feel he has become a man. He has diligence and resilience that ordinary people cannot reach; I am indeed proud.

His mother also had a dream of serving in the military when she was young. After her son was admitted to the military academy, her collection was filled with images of her son. Each time she opened it, it was not only pride but also a mother's longing.

An Fenghao's mother Liu Jie: I have actually gotten used to this way of life; I only know in my heart that my son is far away defending the country, and what he is doing is very meaningful. In his heart, I am a very strong person; he doesn't believe it when I say I cried. I don't want to cry in front of my child; I don't want to make him worry or think about me.

An Fenghao's mother Liu Jie: My son can work with peace of mind in the army; at home, there are dad, mom, younger brother, and grandpa. We don't need you to worry or think about us. Contributing to the country's defense is a life worth living and very meaningful.

This Spring Festival, An Fenghao not only brought back a body of glory but also a heavy responsibility. The love and support of his family are also his strongest backing. From a naive student to a tough man, from pursuing personal ideals to a sense of national duty, at 20 years old, he has redefined the meaning of youth.