Chapter 22 Chapter 21 Heroes return home triumphantly

The heroic sons and daughters of the Chinese people—the Chinese People’s Volunteers, together with the heroic North Korean soldiers and civilians, fought an extremely difficult and complicated war with the "United Nations Army" led by the United States. It lasted 3 years; after the signing of the armistice agreement, it took another 5 years He spends more time with the Korean people's military and civilians to maintain the implementation of the armistice agreement, and at the same time actively helps the Korean people rebuild their homes.Under the condition that the United States refused to withdraw its troops from North Korea, the Volunteers took the lead in withdrawing all their troops and returned to the land of China triumphantly, winning warm praise from the people of the world.

The Chinese people have always loved peace.It is the firm policy of the Chinese government to resolve the Korean issue peacefully, ease the tension in the Far East and maintain world peace.After the Korean armistice, the governments and armies of the DPRK and China made unremitting efforts to maintain the armistice agreement and strive for a peaceful solution to the Korean issue, whether in the talks with the United States, in the meetings of the Military Armistice Commission, or in the Geneva Conference. effort.From September 1954 to October 1955, the Chinese People's Volunteers voluntarily withdrew 19 divisions from North Korea.Namely: 7 divisions were withdrawn from September 16 to October 3, 1954; 6 divisions were withdrawn from March 31 to April 0, 1955; 6 divisions were withdrawn from October 10 to 26, 1955 .This initiative was unanimously supported by the people of the DPRK and China and generally appreciated by the international public opinion.Since then, the governments and armies of the DPRK and China have repeatedly issued statements to withdraw all foreign troops from North Korea, but none of them received a response from the "United Nations Army."

In order to resolve the deadlock on the issue of Korean reunification peacefully and ease the tension in the Far East, Chairman Mao Zedong agreed with Prime Minister Kim Il Sung in Moscow during his visit to the Soviet Union in November 1957 that the Chinese People’s Volunteers would withdraw from North Korea in 1958. On February 5, 1958, the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued a statement. The "Statement" pointed out that the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Korea and the peaceful reunification of Korea are mature issues that should be resolved without delay.It also announced that after all foreign troops have completely withdrawn from North and South Korea, free elections in all of Korea should be carried out under the supervision of neutral institutions within a certain period of time, so as to realize the peaceful reunification of Korea.

On February 7, the Chinese government issued a statement on the peaceful reunification of North Korea. The "Statement" pointed out: The Chinese government believes that all foreign troops should withdraw from North Korea on a regular basis.Fully agree with and support the peace proposals of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on the Korean question. These proposals not only fully conform to the deep desire of the entire Korean people for the peaceful reunification of the motherland, but also will open up new and realistic ways to ease the tension in the Far East. On February 14, a Chinese government delegation was invited to visit North Korea.The Chinese government delegation headed by Zhou Enlai held cordial and friendly talks with the North Korean government delegation headed by Kim Il Sung, and reached a complete agreement on the withdrawal of the Chinese People's Volunteers from North Korea. On February 19, the "Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Joint Statement" was issued, solemnly declaring to the world that the Chinese People's Volunteers will withdraw from North Korea in batches before the end of 1958. The North Korean government respects this decision. Agreed, and willing to assist the Chinese People's Volunteers in withdrawing from North Korea.The Chinese People's Volunteer Army Headquarters issued a statement on February 20, saying: All officers and soldiers of the Chinese People's Volunteers fully agree with the proposal of the Chinese government and have decided to withdraw from North Korea in batches before the end of 1958.The United States and other countries participating in the "United Nations Army" are required to take similar measures to withdraw all their troops from North Korea without delay, so as to facilitate the peaceful settlement of the Korean issue and the easing of tension in the Far East.It also pointed out: If the U.S. aggressors regard our voluntary withdrawal as a sign of weakness and take advantage of it, then they will inevitably suffer a more shameful defeat.

The decision of the Volunteers to take the lead in completely withdrawing from North Korea has won the warm support of the people of China and North Korea, and has been welcomed and highly praised by the international public opinion.The public opinion of the main allies of the United States in the war of aggression against Korea also recognized the positive significance of the Chinese People's Volunteers' decision to withdraw from North Korea to ease the situation in the Far East.The public opinion in the United States believes that the actions taken by China are "boldly seizing the initiative." The U.S. government still refuses to withdraw its invading troops, which has been condemned by peace-loving countries and people all over the world, and is in a very passive position.

The Chinese People's Volunteers went to North Korea to fight the invaders side by side with the North Korean soldiers and civilians, and then voluntarily withdrew from North Korea. In the past eight years, they have formed a great fighting friendship with the heroic North Korean soldiers and civilians with their blood and lives.After it was announced that all the volunteers would withdraw from North Korea, the brotherhood between the volunteers and the North Korean soldiers and civilians blossomed into a more brilliant new flower.The majority of commanders and fighters followed Premier Zhou Enlai's instructions to achieve the "three good things" (that is, good friends, good travel, and good results) in withdrawing troops and the call of "no arrogance and unremitting, good start and good end, army withdrawal, and long-lasting friendship" issued by the Party Committee of the Volunteer Army. A new upsurge in enhancing solidarity and friendship has been reached.While helping the North Korean people to carry out productive labor with greater enthusiasm, they handed over defense to comrades in the Korean People's Army seriously and responsibly.

Friendship labor blossoms everywhere.In order to return full of friendship, during the process of withdrawing from North Korea, the volunteers set off an upsurge of helping the North Korean people to carry out labor construction in order to enhance friendship.Before withdrawing, each unit carried out various constructions according to the needs of the North Korean government and the local people.Actively help North Korea build canals, dams, houses, roads, bridges, weeds, and tree planting.Do all kinds of good things.The commanders and fighters put forward the slogan of "put more effort, sweat more, and keep more friendship". Regardless of their fatigue, they worked day and night for more than 10 hours a day. Wash off the dust on your body.The North Korean people were deeply moved and said: "I have never seen such a good army." When the whole army was withdrawn in batches, the labor to assist the North Korean people was more than five times that of the original plan, and the total number of labors reached more than 1.54 million.

Pay defense, stay friendship.In order to hand over the defense to the Korean people, all units of the Volunteer Army repaired, cleaned and reinforced the front tunnels, trenches, bunkers and other various fortifications and roads, and completed all the unfinished fortifications by surprise.The soldiers said: "Dig one more foot of tunnel and strengthen one more fortification, which is to add more strength to the Chinese and North Korean people's struggle against the enemy. This is the best gift left to the comrades in arms of the Korean People's Army." At the same time, the barracks, camping equipment, a large number of materials and equipment, and a complete set of hospital equipment were handed over to the People's Army free of charge.The vast number of commanders and fighters of the Volunteer Army put forward the slogan of "hand over materials, express your heart, and keep friendship, those who make friends are happy, and those who receive are satisfied". , The self-made production tools were donated to the People's Army's defense troops.Before the handover, the barracks were painted, the environment was beautified, the auditorium and club were decorated, and appliances were added, and everything was trimmed neatly.When the People's Army's defense troops arrived, they burned the fire wall and kang, cooked rice and water, and welcomed them with gongs and drums.The majority of commanders and fighters took out their favorite items, such as medals, photos, brocade, pens, etc., and presented them to the comrades of the People's Army as souvenirs.Office supplies, farewell letters, and vases made from shell casings were left on the table.The officers and soldiers of the People's Army said: "What we thought of, you did; what we didn't think of, you also did. It really makes us deeply appreciate the warmth of brothers in internationalism."

The Volunteer Army Headquarters also sent 10 delegations to various parts of North Korea to bid farewell to the party and government agencies, and held a grand farewell meeting.The accompanying art troupe and film screening team held a farewell gala.Extensive visits and condolences to well-known front-line models and family members who have sacrificed their lives in support of the Volunteer Army, and presented gifts.The headquarters and directly affiliated troops held a farewell meeting at the resident Hicang.There is a brotherly friendship between the soldiers and civilians of the two countries, and the friendship between the people of China and the DPRK lasts forever.

The whole people of North Korea cordially sent off the volunteers to return home, which is a concentrated expression of the friendship between China and North Korea.During the long-term combat life, the soldiers and civilians of the two countries have condensed blood and sweat into an unforgettable deep friendship, and when they parted, they were even more reluctant to part.In order to send the volunteers back home, the North Korean government made the "Decision on Commemorating the Great Achievements of the Chinese People's Volunteers and Sending them off from the Northern Half of the Republic forever" on February 27, 1958. The "Decision" pointed out: "At the most difficult time of the just Fatherland Liberation War of the Korean people, the great Chinese people sent volunteer troops composed of their outstanding sons and daughters to North Korea. The traditional friendship forged was further deepened through the common struggle against U.S. imperialism, setting a new example of friendship and unity of proletarian internationalism. The heroes of the Chinese People’s Volunteers fought in the fierce national liberation war and after the war in all parts of our country The immortal feats and glorious achievements made will always be engraved in the hearts of the Korean people, and they will shine with the prosperity and development of our country.” The North Korean government decided to: send a letter of thanks signed by all Korean people to the Chinese people and the Chinese People’s Volunteers; The DPRK-China Friendship Tower; the tombs of the Chinese People's Volunteers were renovated in various places; the "Fatherland Liberation War Commemorative Medal" was awarded to the volunteers who participated in the Korean War;

According to the above-mentioned decision, the governments at all levels in North Korea formed send-off committees respectively, and carried out nationwide activities to send off the volunteers.From the central government to the local government, there have been more than 310 delegations with representatives from all walks of life.They traveled all over the front and rear, went deep into various units and institutions of the Volunteer Army, and expressed their condolences and farewell warmly.The North Korean government has also sent many art troupes to perform thousands of performances for various troops. When the volunteer troops withdrew from North Korea in batches, Prime Minister Kim Il Sung and other leaders of the North Korean party and government went to the station of the withdrawing troops to visit, express condolences and send off the volunteers, and attended the farewell meeting and farewell banquet.At these conferences and banquets, Kim Il Sung and other North Korean party and government leaders, in the name of the entire Korean people, the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Republic, thanked the Chinese People's Volunteers for their contributions to the Korean people's war against aggression, and praised them as " The real people's army is the real Marxist-Leninist party's army and the real internationalist army." "The great achievements made in the Korean War will last forever with the beautiful mountains and rivers of North Korea." The Chinese People's Volunteers" The profound friendship formed with the Korean people will forever remain in the hearts of the descendants of the Korean people." The military and civilians all over North Korea organized grand farewell parties one after another, with bright red pennants everywhere, and huge crowds of people.The farewell crowd sang and danced late into the night.Many old ladies, with their children and gifts, traveled over mountains and mountains to find the volunteer troops who had lived in her home.After finding it, tears flowed down my face, and I was reluctant to let go.When the Volunteer Army set off, the North Korean people stationed there wore festive costumes and held the national flags of the DPRK and China to see the Volunteers off.On the way to withdraw the troops, from the "38th Parallel" to the Yalu River, from towns to villages, colorful flags fluttered everywhere, flowers fluttered, and gongs and drums blared.There are tea stations along the way, wash water in the medical room and stations, women deliver hot towels to the soldiers, bowls of sugar water to the mouths of the soldiers, girls cut big red flowers on the chests of the soldiers, the boss The mother put apples, eggs, honey, chestnuts, etc. into the soldiers' pockets, and the young and middle-aged led the cows and horses to rush to carry the backpacks and luggage for the soldiers. The children gathered around and wished "uncle volunteers!"The masses held torches and stood beside the winding mountain road.In the hot summer, some old ladies fan fans behind the warriors, and give them away while fanning.The words of friendship were said over and over again, the people who saw us off went one way after another, passionate tears flowed again and again, and the reporters and photographers were so excited that they wept down their skirts.A troop of more than 1,000 people walked for 3 hours through the village where more than 500 people saw them off.Brothers and sisters of the North Korean family, in order to express their hearts, also presented many precious souvenirs to the volunteer commanders and fighters.Some old ladies gave their wedding rings to soldiers and asked them to pass them on to future generations.Some old men wear ancestral swords on cadres.The women gave the soldiers crony belts, string bags, scarves, purses, etc. to the soldiers.The girls rushed to make arts and crafts overnight, the primary school students handed their homework books to the volunteer uncles, and the Korean People's Army wrapped up the soil from the hero's position and gave them to their comrades to take back to China.The unforgettable friendship of the Korean people for the volunteers moved the commanders and fighters to tears. October 258, 1958, was the 8th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and it was also the day when officers and soldiers of the Volunteer Army Headquarters left Pyongyang to return home.On this day, the national flags of the DPRK and China were flying everywhere in Pyongyang, and more than 300,000 people sent off the Chinese People's Volunteers.At 12:00 noon, the last train to withdraw troops stopped at Pyongyang Station. Commander Yang Yong delivered a farewell speech to the North Korean people on the station square.He said: Now that the Chinese People's Volunteers have all withdrawn from North Korea, our practical actions have powerfully demonstrated to the world the sincere desire of the Chinese and North Korean people to maintain peace and promote a peaceful resolution of the North Korean issue.While driving, "Battle Hymn of the Chinese People's Volunteers" was played at the station. Yang Yong, Wang Ping and Prime Minister Kim Il Sung embraced warmly and said goodbye with tears. Since the announcement in February 1958 that all volunteers would withdraw from North Korea before the end of the year, the people of the whole country have been looking forward to the return of the outstanding sons and daughters of the motherland day and night. In order to welcome the first batch of returning volunteers, on March 12, Guo Moruo, chairman of the Association to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, hosted a joint meeting of leaders of various democratic parties and people's organizations in Beijing, and decided to organize a Chinese delegation to welcome the returning volunteers to Angola. Dongshi (now Dandong) welcomes the first batch of returning troops of the Volunteer Army.The people of Andong City were even more elated.From the north bank of the Yalu River to Andong Railway Station, tall buildings in the city, government agencies, shops and entertainment venues on both sides of the main street are decorated with lights and festoons, and huge welcome slogans are hung everywhere.Staff, students, and literary and art workers actively rehearsed theatrical programs and prepared to have a party with the heroic volunteers. On March 16, when the vanguard of the first batch of returning volunteers came to the Arc de Triomphe, firecrackers were fired, gongs and drums were loud, cheers and slogans were heard, and there was joy.The officers and soldiers of the Volunteer Army were warmly welcomed by the Chinese delegation headed by Chen Shutong, the leaders of the party, government and military in Liaoning Province and Andong City, and the people from all walks of life in Andong.From this day onwards, within 40 days, more than 100,000 people in Andong City came to the station to welcome the arrival of the first batch of returning volunteers (80,000 people in 6 divisions) at the station regardless of day and night. On July 11, the vanguard of the second batch of returning troops of the Volunteer Army returned to Andong City.On the afternoon of the same day, people from all walks of life in Liaoning Province and the Shenyang Military Region of the Chinese People's Liberation Army welcomed the delegation of the Volunteer Army's Returned Forces and people from all walks of life in Andong City, and held a grand welcome meeting.As of August 14, all the second batch of returning troops of the Volunteer Army (6 divisions and their special forces, a total of 100,000 people) arrived in Anton, and then transferred to various parts of the country.During the month, Andong City has been in a warm and jubilant atmosphere.More than 40,000 people in the city rushed to the train station day and night to welcome the return of volunteers.Whenever the trains of volunteer officers and soldiers passed the iron bridge of the Yalu River, Andong City, which was waiting at the northern end of the bridge, welcomed the masses. They lit firecrackers, beat gongs and drums, and flocked forward one after another, vying to shake hands with the volunteer commanders and fighters, and greet them. say hello.The Anton City Art Troupe and amateur art teams from many factories and schools performed wonderful art programs at the gala, expressing condolences to the "loveliest people" who had returned from victory.The returning officers and soldiers also received more than 6,000 condolence letters from all over the motherland and a large number of condolence items from people from all walks of life. In order to grandly welcome the return of the third batch of Volunteer Army (and the last batch, with a total of 70,000 people from the Volunteer Army headquarters, 3 divisions, and logistics support troops), on September 20, various democratic parties and people's organizations in China gathered in Beijing A joint meeting was held, and it was decided to form a delegation of the Chinese people to welcome the volunteers back to China headed by Liao Chengzhi, vice chairman of the Association to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and rushed to Anton to welcome them. On September 26, the vanguard of the third batch of returning troops of the Volunteer Army returned to Andong, and was warmly welcomed by people from all walks of life in Liaoning Province, the Shenyang Military Region of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and the people of Andong City.Subsequently, a series of trains full of returning volunteers arrived in Anton one after another, and they all received extremely warm welcome. At 12:10 on October 26, when the officers and soldiers of the Volunteer Army Headquarters returned to Andong on the last withdrawal train, they were warmly welcomed by the Chinese delegation headed by Liao Chengzhi and people from all walks of life in Andong City.From the bridgehead of the Yalu River to the welcoming crowd on the platform of the station, they held up bouquets of flowers, waved colorful flags, cheered and jumped, and the sound of gongs, drums and firecrackers resounded through the sky.That night, the Chinese people welcomed the Volunteer Army Returning Delegation to hold a grand banquet in Andong to celebrate the great victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and the return of the Volunteer Army. The vast majority of the commanders and fighters of the third batch of returning troops of the Volunteer Army, like the previous two batches, went to various parts of the country after returning to Anton.The delegation of the Chinese People's Volunteers headed by commander Yang Yong and political commissar Wang Ping (150 people in total, including experienced senior commanders, outstanding combat heroes and role models in various work) and the accompanying 200 The Volunteer Army Art Troupe with many people left for Beijing from Andong on October 27. On October 28, a delegation of the Chinese People's Volunteers arrived in Beijing.On this day, the capital is dressed in festive costumes everywhere.From Beijing Railway Station to the Beijing Hotel, the residence of the Volunteer Army delegation, colorful flags, ribbons and banner slogans were hung along the street, and many slogan towers were also erected.In the Beijing Hotel, two huge slogans ran from the top of the building to the downstairs. They read: "Salute to the heroic Chinese People's Volunteers!" "Long live the victory of the Great War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea!" Standing on both sides of the gate of the Beijing Hotel, it depicts the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and Korean peoples with blood and the warm welcome of the people of the motherland to the heroes who returned from North Korea.At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when the train of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army delegation slowly entered Beijing Station, the military band played the "Battle Hymn of the Chinese People's Volunteers" full of fighting passion.On the platform, the Volunteer Army delegation was warmly welcomed by Zhou Enlai, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Premier of the State Council, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Peng Zhen, Chen Yi, Guo Moruo, Li Jishen, Cheng Qian, Zhang Zhizhong, and heads of various departments of the party, government and army. welcome.Zhou Enlai tightly held the hands of Volunteer Army Commander Yang Yong and political commissar Wang Ping, and said excitedly: "On behalf of the Party Central Committee and Chairman Mao, the government and the people, I extend my warmest welcome to you—the heroes who have returned from victory! "The delegation drove from the station to the Beijing Hotel. More than 200,000 people lined the road to welcome them. The sound of firecrackers continued, drums and instruments blared, colorful flowers fluttered, red flags stood like forests, singing and slogans rang out one after another, and there was joy. On the afternoon of October 29, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Peng Zhen, Chen Yi, Li Fuchun, Bo Yibo and other party and state leaders received the Chinese People's Volunteer Army delegation headed by Yang Yong and Wang Ping and the Volunteer Army in Huairentang, Zhongnanhai. All the staff of the art troupe gave the Chinese People's Volunteers the highest honor.That night, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Chinese People's Association to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, the Beijing Municipal People's Committee, the Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, and the Municipal Committee to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea jointly held a banquet for all members of the Chinese People's Volunteers delegation.Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Chen Yi, Guo Moruo, representatives of workers, peasants, soldiers, academics and businessmen in the capital and representatives of the volunteer army gathered together to talk freely about the great victory of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and the great achievements of the construction of the motherland.Zhou Enlai made a speech at the banquet. He said: "It has been eight years since the Chinese People's Volunteers went to North Korea. You have successfully completed the tasks assigned to you by the Chinese people, the Communist Party of China and Chairman Mao. On behalf of the people of the whole country, our party and the government And Chairman Mao, thank you. Today’s banquet of more than 1,000 people represents the feelings of 650 million people in the country. We must always learn from the example of the volunteer army.” On the afternoon of October 30, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference held an enlarged joint meeting in Huairen Hall, Zhongnanhai, and listened to the "Report on the Work of the Chinese People's Volunteers to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea in the Past Eight Years" by Yang Yong, Commander of the Chinese People's Volunteers .He systematically reported the Volunteer Army's eight-year history of resisting U.S. aggression and aiding Korea, expounded the great significance of the victory in the War of Resisting U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, praised the profound friendship forged with blood between the Chinese and North Korean people, and narrated the heroic deeds of the volunteers' commanders and fighters.Yang Yong said: "Over the past eight years, the vast number of officers and soldiers of the Volunteer Army have fulfilled their due obligations for the motherland, the people, the friendship between China and North Korea, and the peace of the Far East and the world. The martyrs who gave their lives for this and Their heroic deeds will go down in the annals of history forever!" "All comrades in the Volunteer Army will firmly remember that glory belongs to the party and Chairman Mao, and glory belongs to the people of the motherland." people” expresses sincere respect. The meeting finally passed the "Resolution on the Eight-Year Work Report of the Chinese People's Volunteers to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea", which highly appraised and commended the great achievements of the Volunteers.The resolution pointed out: The Chinese People's Volunteers, together with the heroic Korean People's Army, repelled the aggression of US imperialism after three years of arduous fighting.After the armistice, it also contributed to the consolidation of the Korean armistice and to supporting the peace building of the Korean people.The great achievements made by the Chinese People's Volunteers in the lofty cause of resisting U.S. aggression and aiding Korea, defending the country, and saving peace will always shine brighter with the sun and the moon.The Chinese People's Volunteers are worthy of being the outstanding sons and daughters of the great Chinese people. The martyrs who contributed their precious lives in the battle to resist US aggression and aid Korea will live forever.At the end of the resolution, it stated that it will continue to support the struggle of the Korean people for independent and peaceful reunification, and resolutely complete the sacred cause of the Chinese people's reunification of the motherland. Volunteer army commanders and the general public who wished to return to the country were greatly encouraged and determined to make greater contributions to the construction and defense of the socialist motherland.