Navy Frigate Yiyang Officers and Sailors Return Visit to "August 1st Aimin School" Donghua Complete Primary School
In midsummer, Donghua Complete Primary School of the "August 1st Aimin School" in Anhua County, Yiyang City, Hunan Province—nestled among mountains—welcomed a group of special loved ones: 12 officer and soldier representatives from the Navy frigate Yiyang. They traveled thousands of li back to Yiyang, the warship's "second hometown," solely to honor a warm promise.
This deeply felt promise traces back to the eve of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Navy. At that time, the teachers and students of Donghua Complete Primary School, filled with the highest respect for the People's Navy, painted more than 200 pictures, selected 50 of them, and entrusted the Yiyang Military Sub-district Command to forward them as a gift to the Yiyang—the warship named after their hometown—expressing heartfelt blessings to the officers and sailors. The crew of the Yiyang were deeply moved. Through a "cloud classroom" video link with the teachers and students, they shared stories of tempering the sword in the deep blue, and solemnly pledged: we will definitely come to Yiyang to visit the children!
To convey the children's sentiments to every member of the crew, the Yiyang Military Sub-district Command and the Yiyang Municipal Bureau of Veterans Affairs carefully planned and had the children's paintings printed on mugs, which were then sent to the warship. Over the past two years, these "warm-hearted mugs" (暖心水杯)—filled with the longing of hometown students—have accompanied the officers and sailors of the Yiyang as they ranged across the maritime frontier, cleaving through waves. "In the dead of night on the deep ocean, gazing at the childlike yet sincere paintings on the mugs, knowing that a group of children are thinking of us, a warm current and a sense of pride surge in my heart. With their support, no matter how arduous the mission or how fierce the storm, we can press forward without fear!" said Sheng Wenliang, a Yiyang-native sailor taking part in the return visit, with deep feeling.
On June 26, the appointed day arrived as promised. In the school's newly renovated auditorium, the Yiyang crew representatives presented exquisite ship models, carefully selected books, and other commemorative gifts, and also delivered a vivid national defense education class (国防教育课) for teachers and students. The officers and sailors explained naval knowledge and introduced shipboard equipment in accessible terms, and on the spot taught basic skills such as knot-tying and flag signaling. The children listened attentively, excitedly crowding around the officers and sailors with questions, reluctant to leave.
Sixth-grade student Dai Shanli was especially excited. Two years ago, as a fourth-grader filled with longing for the Navy, he had carefully painted a meticulous-style work (工笔画) titled "Yiyang," and attached a letter inviting the officers and sailors to visit the school. Now, serving as a Young Pioneers (红领巾) docent, he proudly led the officers and sailors on a tour of the school's red culture wall. "The Navy uncles stand tall and straight, and they listened so attentively—even more impressive than on television!" Dai Shanli said excitedly.
"During the interactive national defense education segment, the officers and sailors raised professional questions about hull numbers, warship naming conventions, and types of carrier-based aircraft, and many students were able to answer accurately." School teacher Leng Meiting expressed satisfaction, noting that this is the fruit borne of the school's long-term commitment to national defense education as a distinctive feature of its teaching, and in particular of its co-building and co-education partnership (共建共育) with the Yiyang.
During the event, the students' between-class exercises incorporating elements of capture-and-subdue boxing (擒敌拳) won the admiration of the officers and sailors. "This is our school's specialty! I've been practicing since first grade—I'm quite proficient now!" said fifth-grade student Tan Mingjie proudly. Long-term military physical training has not only tempered the students' strength of will and character, but has also raised the school's competitive level; the school's basketball team, track-and-field team, and table tennis team have won honors multiple times in competitions organized at various levels.
"When I grow up I want to join the Navy," "I want to become a carrier-based aircraft pilot," "I want to pilot the Yiyang and range across the ocean"…
Facing the officers' and sailors' questions, the students answered in loud, clear voices. The school's all-round national defense education has planted the seeds of patriotism and support for the military (爱国拥军) deep in the hearts of teachers and students alike. Soldiers have become the noble and aspired-to profession in the children's hearts; and the masculine spirit (阳刚之气) of the military camp has quietly permeated their words and conduct.
The bond between the military and the people runs deep; mountains and seas alike can be leveled. As the event drew to a close, the students, reluctant to part, once again made a solemn pledge together with the officers and sailors of the Yiyang: today we set our resolve to serve the nation; one day we shall meet again at our battle stations!