#China #Guangdong #Guangzhou #Great Patriotic War #Soviet Union

The Remarkable Legacy of Guangdong's Heroes in the Great Patriotic War

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, memories of dedication and sacrifice resurface, transcending borders and unifying people. In every corner of the world, stories echo of those who stood up against fascism, and among these are the extraordinary contributions of young heroes from Guangdong Province, China.

The Call to Action in the Early 1930s

In the early 1930s, a wave of idealistic youth — primarily descendants of revolutionary families — left China for the Soviet Union. They sought valuable knowledge and technical skills that would empower them to contribute to their homeland's future. However, the onset of World War II in 1941 turned their educational expedition into a harrowing battle for survival.

Faced with the brutal realities of war as Nazi Germany launched its invasion, many students, raised in comfort, found themselves grappling with hunger and cold, far removed from their classrooms. In the Ivanovo International Children's Home, they transformed from learners into resourceful workers. Tasks included toiling in factories and farms, and aiding in hospitals treating wounded soldiers. Their resilience is a testament to the enduring spirit of international solidarity in the fight against fascism.

Deng Jinna: The Angel of Mercy

Among these heroes was Deng Jinna, a Guangdong native who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 82. When the war erupted, young Deng and her peers found themselves in hospitals, where they washed bandages for front-line soldiers. Like an angel, she tirelessly penned words of encouragement on scraps of paper, delivering hope through songs and dances for suffering soldiers. In 2020, Viktor Pashkov, the Russian Consul General in Guangzhou, recognized Deng's extraordinary contributions by presenting her with a medal, honoring her commitment to the cause of peace.

Deng’s comrade from those tumultuous days, Li Duoli, recalled, “We fed the wounded and told them stories. Seeing them smile made it all worthwhile.” Such poignant memories encapsulate the shared courage and resilience of youth amidst adversity, exemplifying the power of compassion in a time of conflict.

Huang Jian: A Young War Warrior

Only 14 in 1941, Huang Jian faced rejection from the military, deemed too frail for combat. Nevertheless, driven to make his mark, he contributed on the home front by gathering empty bottles for Molotov cocktails, clearing snow from runways, manufacturing ammunition, and donating blood monthly for three years. “All for victory!” became his motivating mantra. Huang's unwavering resolve demonstrated how even the youngest among us can wield tools of liberation, transforming scarcity into strength.

The Su Siblings: Textile Warriors

Another compelling narrative follows siblings Su Liwa and Su Heqing, children of Su Zhaozheng, a notable figure in the Chinese labor movement. After military training, they worked in a garment factory in Ivanovo, producing essential materials for the war effort. The terror of air raids etched into their memories remains vivid. “When German planes roared overhead, we scrambled for bomb shelters, only to dash back to our machines once the all-clear sounded.” Their indomitable perseverance mirrored that of countless youth from Guangdong, cementing their role in the Soviet industrial fabric during wartime.

Reflections 80 Years Later

Today, as China and Russia join in honoring this historical achievement, the tales from Guangdong stand as solemn reminders of endurance and a call for peace. Against the backdrop of a world often divided by conflict, the stories of camaraderie among nations from the past shine a light on the necessity of solidarity in the present.

These narratives illustrate that the victorious struggle against fascism was bolstered by the sacrifice and unification of everyday people from diverse backgrounds. Their shared determination, forged in the fires of conflict, remains a beacon for international cooperation as we navigate the challenges of modern life.