Five Generations Relay to Protect the Old House's "Red Army Slogan Wall" on the Long March Road
In Yudu County, Jiangxi, five generations of the Yin family have continuously guarded Red Army slogans and a martyr's tomb for nearly a century, preserving a vital piece of Long March history.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
The article highlights the enduring legacy of the Long March through the story of the Yin family in Yaokou Village, Yudu County, Jiangxi. For 90 years, they have protected revolutionary slogans etched on their ancestral home's walls and the grave of a Red Army commander, embodying the deep bond between the Red Army and local civilians.
Imagine a very old house where, almost 100 years ago, brave soldiers wrote important messages on the walls. A family, the Yins, has kept these messages safe for five generations, like a secret treasure passed down from great-great-grandpa to great-grandpa, then grandpa, dad, and now the kids. They also look after the grave of one of those soldiers. It's like keeping a special family photo album, but instead of pictures, it's old writings that tell a big story about courage and helping each other, teaching everyone about a famous journey called the Long March.
Analysis
The preservation of the 'Red Army Slogan Wall' in Yaokou Village, Yudu County, Jiangxi, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Long March and the deep connection between the Red Army and the local populace. This narrative, spanning nearly a century, underscores the grassroots commitment to revolutionary heritage, a critical component of China's national identity. The slogans, such as 'Down with the local tyrants, divide the land' and 'The Red Army is the army of workers and peasants,' were not merely propaganda but promises that resonated deeply with the common people, fostering a bond of trust and mutual support during a tumultuous era. The continuous guardianship by the Yin family across five generations transforms these historical artifacts into living memories, demonstrating how individual families contribute to the broader national historical consciousness.
The Yin Family's Devotion
The Yin family's dedication to preserving the Red Army slogans and the tomb of Commander Zhu Peican is a remarkable example of intergenerational commitment. Yin Shanxiang, the current guardian, proudly recounts how these relics have been passed down without damage, reflecting a profound respect for the sacrifices made during the revolution. This familial stewardship ensures that the physical remnants of the Long March remain intact, providing tangible links to the past for future generations. Their actions highlight a form of cultural preservation that is deeply personal yet nationally significant, transforming a private residence into a public historical site that educates and inspires. The story of Liu Desheng, a wounded Red Army guard cared for by Yin Shanxiang's grandfather, Yin Xingjie, further illustrates the 'fish-and-water' relationship between the Red Army and the people, where mutual aid was a matter of survival and shared ideals.
Jiangxi University's Engagement
The involvement of the Jiangxi University of Applied Science and Technology's 'Spark Youth Social Practice Group' in Yaokou Village demonstrates a concerted effort to integrate revolutionary history into contemporary education. By bringing students to sites like the 'Red Army Slogan Wall,' the university aims to provide an immersive 'major ideological and political course' that transcends traditional classroom settings. This hands-on approach allows students, particularly those in early childhood education like Yu Zhouye, to directly experience and internalize the Long March spirit, fostering a sense of responsibility to transmit these values. Zhang Weijian, the Youth League Committee Secretary, emphasizes that these practice activities are designed to help young people understand their 'original aspirations and missions,' temper their character, and strengthen their ideals, ensuring the Long March legacy continues to inspire national development and youth leadership.
Key points
- Five generations of the Yin family in Yudu County, Jiangxi, have continuously guarded Red Army slogans and a martyr's tomb for nearly a century.
- The Red Army slogans, written during the Long March in 1934, are preserved on the mud walls of the Yin family's ancestral home.
- The family also protects the grave of Red Army company commander Zhu Peican, who formed a deep friendship with Yin Shanxiang's grandfather, Yin Xingjie.
- Jiangxi University of Applied Science and Technology students participate in immersive practice activities in Yaokou Village to learn about the Long March spirit.
- The initiative aims to integrate revolutionary history into education, fostering ideals and responsibility among young people.
- 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Red Army's Long March victory, highlighting the ongoing relevance of its spirit.
The continuous, multi-generational guardianship of these historical sites ensures that the spirit and lessons of the Long March remain vibrant and accessible. Educational initiatives, like those from Jiangxi University, promise to instill these values in young people, fostering a strong sense of national identity and civic responsibility for the future.
Despite dedicated efforts, the natural degradation of old mud walls and the passage of time pose ongoing challenges to the physical preservation of these historical slogans. There's also a risk that as generations pass, the direct, personal connection to the revolutionary era might diminish, requiring continuous and innovative educational efforts to maintain relevance.
