The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) returned to the motherland on Thursday. They will be laid to rest at a martyr cemetery in Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning province, on Friday.
The martyrs' remains and belongings were transported from Incheon to Shenyang aboard a Y-20 strategic transport aircraft of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Upon entering Chinese airspace, two J-20 stealth fighter jets formed an escort to honor the heroes.
After the transport aircraft landed at Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, PLA soldiers carried the caskets, covered by China's national flag, out of the plane for a solemn welcoming ceremony.
This return marks the 11th batch of CPV martyrs' remains to come home. Since 2014, following international law and humanitarian principles, China and the ROK have maintained sincere friendship and practical cooperation, completing the handover of the remains and belongings of 981 CPV martyrs.
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
Wu Yanliang, director and researcher of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, said: "With the Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft, the J-20 fighter jets escort and the water arch ceremony, the motherland paid the highest respect and tribute to the martyrs. This gesture embodies the nation's respect for history and remembrance of heroes."
"The event inspires us to carry forward the spirit of resisting the US and aiding Korea and to strive for the prosperity and strength of our country," said Wu.
Tang Qing, a 61-year-old national model retired soldier, said this is the fourth time he has participated in the welcoming ceremony for martyrs' remains. "Their return makes every Chinese feel the development and growth of our country and the army. Compared with more than 70 years ago, we have become much more confident," he said.
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
Liu Yijia, a junior high school student from Taiwan who has been studying in Shenyang, also participated in the ceremony.
"I hope that students from both sides of the Taiwan Strait can remember this history, inherit and promote the great spirit of the Chinese nation and achieve national reunification and common prosperity as soon as possible," she said.
Lang Qingxia, the sister of a martyr, said her elder brother sacrificed himself in Korea, and she has always looked forward to his return.
"I will wait until the end of my life," said Lang.
Zhang Tongtong and Duan Jinxian contributed to the story.
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) return to the motherland on Thursday. [Photo by Chen Song/for Chinadaily.com.cn]
