Resistance war veteran embodies China's rise to peace

Born on June 1, 1929, in Wenjiazhuang village of Shenxian county, Hebei province, 96-year-old Wen Yunfu 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). He is a testament to China's turbulent history and enduring spirit.

In 1937, the Japanese invaders came to Wen's hometown. His early life was marked by the brutal "Three Alls" policy — burn all, kill all, loot all — implemented by the Japanese, which left his village in ruins and his family homeless.

"In the nearby villages, the Japanese killed many people — murdered civilians and threw their bodies into wells," Wen said. "The civilians suffered a lot at that time."

Wen joined the Eighth Route Army at 15 in March 1945. He was assigned to an arsenal in Shijiazhuang, where he manufactured grenades and landmines. It was a dangerous job. He installed fuses on hand grenades; the slightest mistake could cause an explosion.

That same year, he became a member of the Communist Party of China.

In 1947, as a dedicated Party member, he volunteered for frontline duty and participated in the liberation of Shijiazhuang and Taiyuan. His duties as a signalman were critical, ensuring uninterrupted communication lines under fire.

Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Wen's military service extended into the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. In 1958, he transitioned to civilian life at the Yangquan Railway Station, Shanxi province, where he served until his retirement in 1989.

Wen recalls the war years with tears and gratitude for the peace and prosperity of modern China.

"Under the leadership of the Party, people's lives have gradually improved," he said. "The happiness we enjoy today was unimaginable to me in my childhood."

His son, Wen Taisheng, describes him as a strict but principled father who instilled a deep sense of patriotism and moral integrity in his children.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and in the World Anti-Fascist War. It also happens to be Wen Yunfu's 80th year since joining the Communist Party of China.

Wen Yunfu's story is a reminder of the sacrifices made for the nation's freedom and prosperity. His life exemplifies the enduring spirit of resilience and dedication that defines China's veterans.