What if these four sky-piercing columns could talk? The \u65b0\u4e00\u519b\u5893\u5730\u56db\u67f1\u7eaa\u5ff5\u7891 stands here. It silently proclaims the story of sacrifice. It marks the resting place of over 20,000 brave soldiers. They fought and died far from home in the India-Burma theater.
This monument is a testament to their courage. Today, we stand before a powerful symbol. It honors the New First Army. This army was formed under General Sun Liren. They fought valiantly against the Japanese during World War II.
Let’s delve into the history of this sacred ground. In 1945, after Japan’s surrender, General Sun Liren sought a final resting place for his fallen comrades. He chose Guangzhou. The general felt it was a fitting tribute. Guangzhou is a land with a rich revolutionary history.
Sun Liren himself selected this site. He surveyed the area from the air. He wanted a location that honored the sacrifices made. The \u65b0\u4e00\u519b\u5893\u5730\u56db\u67f1\u7eaa\u5ff5\u7891 was carefully planned.
The location was very deliberate. It was in front of the Sha River. The graves leaned against the hills of Baiyun Mountain. This symbolized a connection to the land they defended.
Construction began swiftly. It started in November 1945. General Sun ordered 600 Japanese prisoners of war. They would build the \u65b0\u4e00\u519b\u5893\u5730\u56db\u67f1\u7eaa\u5ff5\u7891. They worked to atone for their actions.
Every detail was significant. The soldiers of the New First Army contributed to the construction. They donated their salaries. This showed their deep respect for their fallen comrades.
The memorial tower once held a bronze eagle. This bronze was cast from melted-down artillery shells. These shells had been fired at the enemy. The eagle symbolized the army’s strength. Sadly, it disappeared long ago.
The \u65b0\u4e00\u519b\u5893\u5730\u56db\u67f1\u7eaa\u5ff5\u7891 originally included a memorial hall. It also had a功绩亭 and two man-made ponds. The ponds were called Flower Basket Pond and Gourd Pond. These features created a serene setting.
Sadly, much of the original cemetery has been lost. It was damaged during the Cultural Revolution. The graves were desecrated. However, these four columns remain.
Today, the \u65b0\u4e00\u519b\u5893\u5730\u56db\u67f1\u7eaa\u5ff5\u7891 stands as a reminder. It recalls the sacrifices of the New First Army. Their story of courage must never be forgotten. Let us honor their memory.