Recalling the Extraordinary Years, Cherishing a Beautiful Life
In the process of forging ahead on the new journey of the New Era, the female staff of the Institute of Marxism Studies (CASS) have striven and struggled, giving full play to their spirit of professional dedication and selfless sacrifice, making important contributions to the smooth development of the Institute's overall work. In order to further enrich the cultural life of our staff, enhance the cohesion and centripetal force of the entire Institute, and welcome the successful opening of the 20th National Congress of the CPC [1] with practical actions, the Institute’s trade union and Women’s Work Committee—with the approval of the Institute of Marxism Studies Party Committee—organized a themed activity on March 30, 2022, titled "Recalling the Extraordinary Years, Cherishing the Beautiful Life." Staff traveled to the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution and Yuyuantan Park. Ninety staff members participated, including Vice Presidents Gong Yun and Lin Jiantian, and Yu Junxiao, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission and Vice President.
Recalling the extraordinary years, consolidating the strength of unity.
The Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution is China's only large-scale comprehensive military history museum. The currently running exhibition, "Advancing Under the Party's Flag: A Themed Exhibition of the People's Army Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China," focuses on the Party’s absolute leadership over the military and provides a panoramic review of the glorious course of the Party’s founding and leading of the People's Army. The exhibition features over 1,580 cultural relics and physical items, more than 800 photographs, and a large number of historical documents, charts, and video clips. It highlights key historical scenes such as the "Sanwan Reorganization" [2], the "Gutian Congress" [3], "The Party Commands Winning from a Thousand Miles Away," "Reorganizing the Gear to Set Out Again," and "Reporting to the Party and the People at the Battle Station." It prominently displays the great practice of President Xi leading the advancement of the cause of strengthening the military in the New Era, vividly reflecting the absolute loyalty of the People's Army in always listening to and following the Party. Through this visit and study, the staff of our Institute drew strength for progress from the glorious history of the Party’s creation and leadership of the People's Army; they gained a profound understanding that the Party's absolute leadership is the foundation of the People's Army and the soul of a strong military. They realized more deeply that the red political power [4] was not easily won, New China was not easily won, socialism with Chinese characteristics was not easily won, and today’s beautiful life was not easily won.
(Group photo at the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution)
After visiting the exhibition, the staff walked together to the "China Century Bell" at the South Gate of Yuyuantan. The China Century Bell was cast to mark the People’s Republic of China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Macau on December 20, 1999, and to welcome the new century in 2000. The bell is 6.8 meters high, with a lower diameter of 3.38 meters and a weight of 50 tons, symbolizing the 50th anniversary of the founding of New China. The 56 peonies on the bell body symbolize the 56 ethnic groups of the country; two kui dragons [5], representing the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, are cast on the body to symbolize the long-standing civilization of the Chinese nation. The bell body is inscribed with the "Major Historical Records of 20th Century China" and the musical score of the "National Anthem of the People's Republic of China." The base of the bell features the Great Wall pattern, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation. The China Century Bell displays Chinese national culture in a unique form, inspiring the national spirit and enhancing national cohesion and centripetal force, using the ringing of the bell at significant historical moments to symbolize the long-standing accomplishments and bright future of the Chinese nation. By learning about the history of the bell’s construction, everyone felt deeply that it is precisely under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China that the Chinese nation has ushered in a great leap from standing up and becoming prosperous to becoming strong [6].
(Group photo at the China Century Bell)
Cherry blossoms red and weeping willows green, recording the beautiful life.
The final stop of the activity was a group visit to Yuyuantan Park for a park tour and photography session. The name Yuyuantan [7] carries a touch of magical color. Landscapes such as the "Thousand-Meter Cherry Blossom Embankment" on the north bank of the East Lake, the "Spring and Autumn of Yuyuan" cherry blossom avenue in the southeast, the "Cherry Blossom Valley" in the south, and "Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Nanshan" on the south bank of the West Lake have formed a "one park, multiple spots" pattern for viewing cherry blossoms. Since March 25, it has been the 20th Cherry Blossom and Spring Flower Viewing Season at Yuyuantan Park. Everyone strolled among the green willows and flourishing flowers, or took photos in small groups amidst the falling cherry blossoms with laughter and joy; or chatted leisurely in the gentle breeze. Everyone experienced the tranquil and beautiful life and took many memorable photos.
(Group photo at the Cherry Blossom Garden)
Through this activity, the Institute's staff unanimously agreed that, on the occasion of welcoming the successful opening of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, this themed activity organized by the union and the Women's Work Committee was highly meaningful. Everyone expressed that as staff of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, we must consciously carry forward red traditions, inherit red genes, and continue the spiritual lineage of Communists. At the same time, we must more deeply cherish the hard-won beautiful life, consciously strengthen the "Four Consciousnesses" [8], firm up the "Four Confidences" [9], achieve the "Two Upholds," struggle in unity, fulfill our duties and responsibilities, and make greater contributions to building a modern socialist power in all respects and realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation—welcoming the 20th National Congress of the CPC with a brand-new posture. Thus, the Marxist Academy's International Women's Day themed activity concluded successfully.
(Author: Mei Lan)