Veteran Zhang Kexia recalls boosting morale during wartime

Zhang Kexia was born in 1931 in Sihong county, Jiangsu province. In October 1944, when she was 13 years old, she enlisted in the military and served in the New Fourth Army's cultural troupe.

The military cultural troupe was an esteemed team of artists within the army. It played a crucial role in boosting morale through inspiring war songs, slogans, and kuaiban, a form of Chinese storytelling accompanied by bamboo clappers.

During wartime, Zhang and her comrades ventured to the front lines to rally soldiers and spread military messaging, such as encouraging enemy troops to surrender or promoting the humane treatment of captives.

Zhang is a veteran of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the War of Liberation (1946-49), and the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).

Reflecting on her military service, Zhang recalled the hardships of marching with heavy loads, including a 5-kilogram backpack and a 4-kilogram rice bag. Most of the time, she helped transport wounded soldiers and didn't have weapons, but she was required to act when the fighting was intense. During one battle, she was given two grenades.

She vividly remembers the sacrifices made during the war against Japanese aggression, when patriotic songs carried the spirit of battle, like the famous March on! Swing your broadswords at the enemy's heads! Compatriots across the nation, the day of resistance has come!

In a recent interview with China Daily, Zhang shared a photo taken in 1945 to celebrate the victory of the war.

"Eighty years ago, we were on the verge of becoming a conquered people. We won because the entire nation fought with blood and sacrifice," she said.

As China commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory, Zhang described the moment as important for remembering the sacrifices made by countless martyrs.

She joined the Communist Party of China on September 30, 1949, and was discharged from the military in 1955 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. She retired from a middle school in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, in 1986.

Zhang's biggest wish is to witness the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army. She hopes her country grows stronger and better so its people's children and grandchildren can live better lives.