#China #Guangzhou #Guangdong Heroes #Soviet War #Chinese Solidarity

The Heroes of Guangdong in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, it's essential to revisit the stories of those who, despite coming from different backgrounds, united to fight against fascism. Among them are the brave souls from Guangdong, China, whose tales resonate with resilience and solidarity across national boundaries.

In the early 1930s, a wave of enthusiastic youth, mainly descendants of Chinese revolutionaries, was dispatched from China to the Soviet Union for educational purposes. However, when Nazi Germany launched its abrupt attack on the Soviet Union in 1941, these young individuals found themselves thrust into the harsh realities of war. Many, who had previously lived in comfort, faced starvation and the biting cold, as their classrooms turned into the unforgiving battlegrounds.

Life at the Ivanovo International Children's Home

At the Ivanovo International Children's Home, these youths learned to toil in factories and on farms while assisting in urban hospitals to care for wounded soldiers. Their efforts exemplified a tenacious spirit where shared goals transcended national identity, showcasing humanity's innate capacity for kindness even in the face of despair.

Among them was Deng Jinna from Guangdong, who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 82. Deng, a mere eight years old when the war erupted, tirelessly shuttled between hospitals gathering supplies and offering comfort to soldiers at the front. Her capacity for compassion forged a narrative of hope during one of history’s darkest times. The Russian Consul in Guangzhou honored her in 2020 with the "75th Anniversary of the Victory of the Great Patriotic War" medal as a testament to the solidarity displayed by the Chinese people.

Reflecting on these times, Deng’s fellow comrade, Li Duoli, recounted how they provided care and companionship to the injured: "We fed the wounded, told them stories, and if they smiled, we knew it was all worth it." Such narratives underscore the emotional depth and resilience embodied by these young individuals.

Huang Jian: A Fighter from the Home Front

At just 14 years old, Huang Jian faced the war’s challenges head-on despite being deemed too frail for military service. In a fierce determination to contribute, he gathered empty bottles to craft Molotov cocktails, shoveled snow at air force bases, worked in munitions factories, and donated blood for three consecutive years. He embodied an unwavering commitment with the motto, "Everything for victory." His words encapsulate a spirit of resistance that highlights how youth can rise against adversity even with limited means.

"We were incredibly young," Huang stated, "but every drop of blood we donated and every potato we grew was our fight against fascism." This sentiment encapsulates the extraordinary resolve of a generation that transformed scarcity into strength, proving that even the smallest hands can wield the tools of liberation.

The Su Siblings: Warriors in the Textile Factories

Another remarkable narrative comes from the Su family, whose children, Su Liwa and Su Heqing, were instrumental in the textile factories of Ivanovo after their military training. While they produced essential supplies for the frontlines, the specter of war loomed ominously. They vividly recalled moments when German planes darkened the skies above them: "When the bombers roared, we hurried into shelters and dashed back to our machines as soon as the all-clear was sounded." Their relentless dedication exemplified how ordinary lives contributed significantly to the larger machinery of victory.

The Legacy of Remembrance

Eighty years later, both China and Russia honor this historic victory. The stories from Guangdong are not merely remembrances of a bygone era; they resonate as urgent calls for peace. In an age marked by division and confrontation, humanity requires such transnational bonds of solidarity to illuminate the path ahead.

This narrative reminds the world that beyond the victorious struggle against fascism lay the sacrifices and unity of countless ordinary individuals transcending borders. Their collective determination, forged in the crucible of war, stands as a beacon for global cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges.