Last Survivor of China's Long March, General Zhang Liuxiong, Passes Away at 111: A Legacy of Resilience and Courage

The news of General Zhang's demise was confirmed by the official media outlets, including People's Daily and CCTV. The veteran military leader, who was the last surviving participant of the Long March, was hailed as a symbol of resilience and courage. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that is deeply etched in the annals of China's revolutionary history.

Born in November 1913 in Upheng County, Fujian province, General Zhang joined the revolution at the age of 16 and became a member of the Communist Party of China two years later. He participated in the Long March at the tender age of 19, a grueling 25,000-mile trek that tested the mettle of the Chinese Red Army. The march, which took place from 1934 to 1936, was a significant event in China's struggle for liberation, and General Zhang's participation in it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause. Throughout his illustrious military career, General Zhang served with distinction in various capacities, including as a commander of the Red Army, the Eighth Route Army, and the People's Liberation Army.

He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Second-Class Order of August 1 and the Second-Class Order of Independence and Freedom. He was also bestowed with the First-Class Order of Liberation and the First-Class Order of the Red Star. General Zhang's contributions to China went beyond his military career.

In 1998, at the age of 85, he hand-drew a map of the Long March to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic event. The map, which detailed the route of the march and the battles fought along the way, is now part of the collection at the Central Soviet Area (Fujian West) Historical Museum. After retiring from active military service, General Zhang continued to contribute to his hometown in Fujian province. He made several donations to support the development of his hometown, including a donation of 100,000 yuan in 2016 to build a school in his home village. In 2019, he donated 10,000 yuan to the localmiddle school, and in 2023, he donated 1236 books and 100,000 yuan to the newly built library in his hometown.

General Zhang's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from across China. Many have taken to social media platform Weibo to express their condolences and share their memories of the late general. One user wrote, "General Zhang, you will always be remembered as a hero who fought for our country's freedom and independence." Another user said, "The passing of General Zhang marks the end of an era.

We will always remember him as a symbol of courage and resilience." General Zhang's legacy will live on in the hearts of the Chinese people. His contributions to China's revolutionary history and his dedication to the nation's development will forever be etched in the annals of Chinese history. As China continues to march forward, the spirit of resilience and courage embodied by General Zhang will continue to inspire generations to come. In conclusion, the passing of General Zhang Liuxiong, the last surviving participant of the legendary Long March, is a significant moment in China's history. His contributions to the nation's revolutionary struggle, his dedication to the military, and his support for the development of his hometown have left an indelible mark in Chinese history. His legacy will forever be remembered, and his spirit of resilience and courage will continue to inspire generations to come.