China News Service, Changchun, July 31st (Tan Weiqi) In the past few days, Changchun, Jilin has been overcast and rainy, which relieved the heat to a certain extent. The 93-year-old Shi Baodong is still "unable", and will walk downstairs between rains to chat with neighbors and talk about the past.
The neighbors in the community are already very familiar with the old man. August 1st Army Day is coming soon, and everyone wishes him a happy holiday.
Shi Baodong is a veteran. On September 3, 2015, he went to Beijing to participate in a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Since the whole marching salute to the parade team was broadcast live on TV, the Chinese people also called him affectionately. Salute the veterans".
Honorary certificates, medals, etc. obtained by Shi Baodong. Photo by Tan Weiqi
On October 1, 2019, Shi Baodong came to Beijing again to participate in the military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. That time, he was wearing a gray New Fourth Army uniform, sitting in the parade car and saluting the people of the whole country again.
On the eve of the Army's Day, Shi Baodong accepted an interview with reporters at home. The veteran bluntly said that he is still healthy now, and he is willing to continue to give play to the veteran's "remaining heat" in the community and volunteer to carry out patriotic education. "In the decades after I retired, I often went to primary and secondary schools to preach revolutionary stories about myself and my comrades-in-arms."
In addition to the school, the residents of the community are also Shi Baodong's "faithful listeners", and sometimes the children would "attend at home". "They all like to listen."
In 1940, 14-year-old Shi Baodong joined the New Fourth Army. He was wounded many times in battle, and the most serious bullet even penetrated his chest. "It was an anti-mopping battle, and it was also the first time I was seriously injured." The old man told reporters.
In that battle, two of Shi Baodong's comrades died unfortunately. "They all carried guns. For us at that time, the guns were very precious." Shi Baodong recalled that when he retreated with two guns on his comrades, he was shot by enemy bullets. Other comrades risked their lives. He carried it back to the camp.
Whenever he talked about these anti-Japanese war past, Shi Baodong would be a little excited. The old man’s home is full of objects he has treasured for many years, including the medals and commemorative medals the old man has won in previous battles.
Looking at the medals, Shi Baodong's eyes were a little moist, "I miss my comrades very much, and I will never forget the scene of defending my country with them." (End)