“What does it mean to truly sacrifice?” Consider that question as we stand here. We are at the XinDu Martyrs Graveyard in Chengdu. This is a place of solemn reflection. It honors those who gave their lives for their country.
China has a long tradition of honoring those who sacrificed themselves for the public good. This tradition was embraced by the Communist Party of China soon after its founding. As early as the 1930s, the Red Army built a martyrs graveyard in Tongjiang Sichuan province. This honored those who died during the Long March from 1934 to 1936.
Across China, there are thousands of these memorial structures. As of 2020, the number reached 4200 nationwide. These cemeteries are not just places of burial. They are also places of education and remembrance. New soldiers often visit them to pay tribute.
The XinDu Martyrs Graveyard is part of this national network. These graveyards also honor more than just CPC martyrs. The Graveyard for National Heroes in Tengchong county is one such example. It honors the Chinese forces that defeated Japanese troops during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945. It also restored land transportation routes to Myanmar.
Many martyrs graveyards have embraced technology. This gives visitors a more realistic sense of history. Longhua Martyrs Cemetery in Shanghai has developed an augmented reality game. Visitors can scan artifacts with their smartphones. This reveals the history of the cemetery. They can even participate in history by completing assignments in the game.
During the Tomb Sweeping Day, these cemeteries see an influx of tourists. They come to pay tribute to those who died for the country. Even during the COVID-19 epidemic, memorial activities continued online. Martyrs cemeteries opened social network accounts. They shared videos and livestreams of martyrs graves.
The XinDu Martyrs Graveyard stands as a symbol of sacrifice. It reminds us of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembering those who paid the ultimate price. Let us take a moment to reflect on their bravery and dedication to their country.