In a solemn ceremony held on Friday in Shenyang, the capital of Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, the remains of 25 Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) martyrs were laid to rest. These heroes had sacrificed their lives during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).
The repatriation of the remains took place as a Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft arrived at Shenyang Taoxian International Airport on Thursday, bringing back the martyrs’ remains from South Korea. This marks the 10th repatriation since 2014, following a bilateral handover agreement between China and South Korea.
The burial ceremony commenced at the CPV martyrs’ cemetery in Shenyang at 10 am, featuring a military band and an honor guard of Chinese People’s Liberation Army soldiers. The ceremony began with a eulogy by Pei Jinjia, minister of veterans affairs, and a moment of profound respect was paid as 27 ceremonial guards fired 12 shots.
Following the eulogy, honor guards carried the caskets of the martyrs in a ceremonial lap around the square before proceeding to the burial site. In a poignant tribute, attendees, including young students, soldiers, and local residents, laid flowers to honor the memory of the fallen heroes.
Zhu Jiangbo, whose father fought in the war, participated in the ceremony and brought with her a white handkerchief that belonged to her father. The handkerchief, unwashed as a cherished relic of their shared history, holds sentimental value for Zhu and her family.
Over the past decade, the remains of 938 CPV soldiers have been repatriated, highlighting ongoing efforts to bring closure to families and commemorate the sacrifices made during the Korean War.
More than 70 years ago, the CPV played a pivotal role in the Korean War, fighting alongside the army of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea against the South Korea army and US-led UN forces. This year, marking the 70th anniversary of China’s victory in the war, the burial ceremony serves as a poignant reminder that neither the motherland nor the people have forgotten the brave fallen heroes of the conflict. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, addressing the ceremony, emphasized that the legacy of these heroes endures in the hearts and memories of the nation.