To fully grasp the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party and to consistently use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to strengthen our minds and guide all Party members and the general public in firmly upholding their ideological convictions, on August 29, 2024, the Party Committee of Liaoning Tongfang Law Firm organized Party members to visit the Museum of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, conducting a patriotic education-themed activity. Through on-site experience, participants deeply felt the red spirit and, by revisiting history, rooted themselves firmly in their beliefs and forged their souls.
“It was precisely the Battle of Jiawu that first awakened our nation from its four-thousand-year-long slumber.” As we set foot on Liu Gong Island—a land steeped in profound history—our hearts remained deeply unsettled, and our thoughts seemed to be pulled back to that tumultuous yet tragically heroic era.
Stepping into the Museum of the First Sino-Japanese War, one is met with historical photographs and precious cultural relics that silently recount the painful history of humiliation and resistance. The smoke and gunpowder from the Battle of the Yalu River still seem to linger before our eyes, and the heroic deeds of patriotic soldiers like Deng Shichang are deeply moving. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, they steadfastly upheld their belief in defending their homeland and country, resolutely plunging into battle without hesitation—until their glorious martyrdom. Their patriotic spirit and national integrity stand like towering monuments, forever etched in our hearts.
Stepping aboard the Dingyuan, I ran my hand over its rust-stained hull, as if I could still feel the intensity and brutality of those naval battles from years gone by. Though this once-mighty warship now lies silent, it has witnessed the rise and fall, the glory and humiliation of China’s modern navy. It serves as a poignant reminder that a nation’s strength is inseparable from a robust maritime defense—and only by continuously enhancing our own capabilities can we safeguard our country’s dignity and territorial integrity.
The submarine 279, meanwhile, offers us a glimpse into the development and growth of China’s new navy. From a time when it was backward and constantly subjected to aggression, to today’s navy equipped with cutting-edge vessels, China’s naval journey has been one fraught with hardship yet marked by unwavering determination. This profoundly reminds us that only when a nation is prosperous and its science and technology are advanced can we build a powerful, modern navy capable of safeguarding our country’s vast maritime territory.
Looking back on this period of history, we are both deeply saddened by the heroic sacrifices of our forefathers and filled with pride in our nation’s current prosperity and strength. The painful lessons of the First Sino-Japanese War teach us that backwardness invites aggression—and only through continuous growth and development can we prevent history from repeating itself. At the same time, these lessons remind us to cherish even more the hard-won peaceful environment we enjoy today, and to fully recognize that our generation bears the historic mission of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
“Looking back at modern times, over the past century—36,000 days—we have endured countless national hardships and weathered countless trials and tribulations of transformation. Amidst the smoke of war and raging flames, our land has surged with passion, turning the tide when it seemed all hope was lost and propping up crumbling edifices with broken beams. Now, as the spring breeze once again greens the Chinese land, the Huaxia nation basks once more in the glow of the rising sun.” The visit to Liu Gong Island is not merely a journey through history—it is also a cleansing of the soul. Party members of Tongfang will forever remember history, draw lessons from it, carry forward the responsibilities of our forefathers, and achieve personal fulfillment by dedicating ourselves to the greater good. Together, we will continue to pursue the dream of China’s great rejuvenation, writing an even more glorious chapter through our steadfast commitment and tireless efforts!
