'Growing up under the national flag' activity educates youth

By Wang Yiming
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, August 15, 2019
Adjust font size:
Jihao Youguo from Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province and Zhang Wanning from the Ningxia Hui autonomous region presented red scarfs to the speaker Wang Zhiguo and Jing Dunquan, vice president of the CSCLF. [Photo courtesy of the CSCLF]

An activity with the theme of "Growing up under the national flag" was held at the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) Science & Culture Center for Young People Aug. 13, inviting a China Coast Guard soldier named Wang Zhiguo to deliver a speech on perseverance and patriotism to youth from various provinces.

Wang Zhiguo told the moving story of his late father, Wang Jicai, who dedicated his life to watching over China's east coast with his wife.

In 1986, then a 26-year-old militia member, Wang Jicai took up the lonely sentry job of guarding the tiny Kaishan Island the size of two football pitches, off the coast of Jiangsu province. At that time, his only human companion was his wife.

Dangerous seas, fierce winds, a barren island, and no telephone line - Wang Zhiguo was born and brought up under these harsh conditions.  

"I begged my father several times to leave the island to accompany me, but he kept telling me that he felt duty-bound to safeguard the island he regarded as the front line of defense of our country." He recalled in his speech.

For 32 years, Wang Jicai resolutely stuck to his post without complaint, raising the Chinese national flag on the island, noting down details of passing ships, rescuing fishermen or people who strayed into the treacherous waters and helping catch smugglers...

Wang Zhiguo said: "My father often asked me to raise the national flag with him. He said that the flying national flag meant there was someone guarding the island.

"My father died of illness on duty at the age of 58 last year. Deeply influenced by him, I joined the army. Now, I feel honored to follow his example to become a coast guard soldier. My father taught me the true meaning of patriotism and devotion, and I would like to pass his words to you, the young generation, to study hard and contribute to our country." He concluded.

After listening to his speech, many of the audience were seen to have tears in their eyes. Jihao Youguo, a 11-year-old girl from Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, sang a song called "The beautiful national flag", and youth representatives from Hebei province, the Ningxia Hui autonomous region and the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) sang in chorus the song "The red flag fluttering."

Jiang Hang and Zhang Yifeng, eleventh-grade students from Hou Kong Middle School in the Macao SAR, felt deeply touched after listening to the story of Wang Zhiguo and his father. Jiang said, "Though loving the son, Wang Jicai always put the country first and guarded the island. I would like to take him as my role model."  

The two students also talked about their feelings about their school's regular national flag-raising ceremony. Jiang Hang believed this was not only a ceremony, but also an honor and responsibility. Zhang Yizhen said, "I feel it is a very glorious thing to be a flag-raiser of my school. I used to be very shy. Raising the flag made me feel confident and I have a stronger sense of belonging to our motherland."

"Growing up under the national flag" is part of a series of activities co-hosted by the CSCLF and a special fund for public welfare of People's Daily . 

1   2   >  


Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:    
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter