Three hundred fifty thousand Sichuanese sons marched to the front lines. Sixty-four thousand perished. This is their monument. This is the Sichuan Army Anti-Japanese War Martyrs Memorial Statue.
Before you stands a powerful bronze sculpture. It depicts a Sichuanese soldier. He is captured in mid-stride. He wears a simple short tunic. His feet are clad in straw sandals. His chest bears the marks of battle. A rifle is slung across his back. He marches resolutely forward. He embodies the spirit of the Sichuanese soldiers who fought in the war.
This statue is more than just a figure of bronze. It’s a poignant reminder. It reminds us of the immense sacrifice. Sichuanese people made during the Anti-Japanese War. This statue is the work of renowned sculptor Xie Kaihang. He created it in 1944. His inspiration? The soldier’s image was based on his own father Zhang Mingzhang. Zhang was a soldier in the Sichuan Army.
The statue was initially located at the East Gate of Chengdu. This location held a special significance. It marked the starting point of the Sichuan Army’s journey. Over the years the statue moved several times. In 1989 it found its final home. It now sits proudly in Chengdu People’s Park.
Xie Kaihang’s daughter Zhang Guangzhao remembers her father. She describes the statue as representing the Sichuanese soldiers’ determination. She says the statue embodies their unwavering dedication. They fought bravely for their nation. For many years the memorial has been a place of quiet remembrance and reverence. Every year on significant anniversaries countless people come to pay their respects. Flowers and tributes cover the ground. Their silent homage honors those brave souls.
In 2020 the Sichuan Army Anti-Japanese War Martyrs Memorial Statue achieved national recognition. It was officially designated a national-level anti-war monument. This recognition underscores the statue’s historical significance. It celebrates the unwavering courage of the Sichuanese soldiers. Their sacrifice in defense of their country will never be forgotten. The statue stands as a symbol of their heroism. Their selfless devotion to China will inspire generations to come.