Chapter 9 Wake up for Chairman Mao

At noon on September 9, 1976, we were resting in the anti-shock shed on the south side of the History Museum (because the Tangshan earthquake affected Beijing).Suddenly, a deputy instructor arrived in a hurry, immediately called everyone together, broke down in tears, and announced a heart-stirring news that Chairman Mao passed away today.Those of us who guarded Tiananmen Square day and night were surprised to hear that Chairman Mao passed away, and we were all confused by the sudden news.They all took off their hats and stood in silence, uncontrollable tears welling up in their eyes. At four o'clock in the afternoon, after the Central People's Broadcasting Station broadcast the news of Chairman Mao's death, our battalion organized some cadres and soldiers to come to the Jinshui Bridge.Everyone looked up at the fatherly portrait of Chairman Mao on the Tiananmen Gate Tower, raised their fists, swallowed tears, and solemnly swore that we, the guards and soldiers guarding your old man day and night, will defend to the death the first five-star red flag that you raised with your own hands. Let her float forever in our guarded Tiananmen Square.Zhang Kuan, the veteran guard soldier and deputy head of the regiment who had not left Chairman Mao's side for more than 30 years, also told the soldiers with affection how he followed Chairman Mao to participate in the battle to defend Yan'an and eliminate Hu Zongnan's bandit army.He also recalled to everyone that Chairman Mao had a heart-to-heart talk with them on a threshing ground in Mizhi County, Shaanxi; on the way from northern Shaanxi to Pingshan, Chairman Mao insisted on walking, eating and living with the soldiers; after entering Beijing, he cared about the guards Soldiers learn about culture and scenes of daily life.All these caused every guard fighter present to miss the leader endlessly.

In order to let representatives from all walks of life see Chairman Mao's remains.The central government decided to hold condolence activities in the Great Hall of the People from September 11 to 17.All members of the Central Committee, alternate members, heads of party, government, and military agencies, and representatives of workers, peasants, and soldiers from all walks of life participated in the activities of mourning and paying homage to the remains. In order to ensure the safety of condolence activities, according to the requirements of superiors, some officers and soldiers of our company took on the task of guarding the periphery of the Great Hall of the People and the nearby commanding heights.Due to the large number of sentry posts and the need to ensure the safety of the original normal posts, there were less than three people in each post for Chairman Mao's condolence activities and the original normal posts.But everyone scrambled to be on the sentry post without any complaints.Sometimes, there are only two people at a sentry post, forming a wheel battle, going down to rest for two hours, and then fighting again, day and night cycle.Some legs were numb from standing, and their joints hurt from standing, but they all gritted their teeth, standing upright on the sentry post like sculptured military spirits.Everyone is determined to turn grief into strength, carry on Chairman Mao's behest with their own practical actions, and carry through to the end the revolutionary cause started by the old man.

The Great Hall of the People is solemnly arranged, and the banner at the entrance of the hall of condolence reads: "Inherit Chairman Mao's behest and carry the cause of the proletarian revolution to the end."The hall was decorated with crimson gauze and wreaths were displayed.A huge portrait of Chairman Mao hangs in the middle, and pines, cypresses and evergreens are arranged below.Chairman Mao's body is placed among evergreen shrubs and flowers.The remains were covered with party flags.Chairman Mao was resolute and peaceful, as if he was sleeping.The People's Liberation Army guarded both sides with guns.The banner on the front of the hall reads: "Extremely sad mourning for the great leader and mentor Chairman Mao Zedong".

Throughout the condolence activities, party and state leaders took turns to keep watch for Chairman Mao.Two fighter representatives from our battalion also stood up for Chairman Mao on the afternoon of the 10th together with party and state leaders.Every day from morning to night, a continuous stream of representatives from all walks of life lined up in a long line with deep sorrow, and walked slowly to the viewing hall.The deep sorrow and joy lingered in the viewing hall and hovered over Tiananmen Square, tightly locking people's hearts.With common sorrow and melancholy, everyone walked with heavy steps, walking silently on this short and long admiration channel, recalling the battle journey under the nurture of Mao Zedong Thought.Silent tears rolled in people's eyes and flowed on their faces.When everyone came to Chairman Mao's body, they all tried their best to control their grief, held their breath, walked lightly, and stared at the peaceful face of Chairman Mao, fearing that they would wake up Mao who had worked hard for the Chinese revolution all his life. chairman.There were also quite a few people who couldn't restrain their emotions and cried bitterly. The crying was heart-rending, which concentratedly reflected the true feelings between the leaders and the people.This feeling is sacred and can never be profaned by anyone.Over the past seven days, a total of 300,000 representatives from all walks of life participated in the mourning and paying homage activities.

During the condolence period, the relevant leaders understood the feelings of our security staff very well.When the daily condolence activities are coming to an end, the comrades in charge of the security will be organized to enter the condolence hall in turn to pay homage to Chairman Mao's remains.Everyone wanted to take advantage of this rare opportunity to see Chairman Mao a few more times.I had the honor to walk into the hall of condolence from the north gate of the great hall four times with sorrow and joy, and came to the side of Chairman Mao lying on his back among the pines and cypresses.Every time I see Chairman Mao's bronze "Great China" face, and every time I see Chairman Mao's broad forehead that can encompass the world and control the sky, I feel a lot of thoughts.