Photo: CFP

The 11th batch of remains of Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who died during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea returned to China on Thursday as South Korea handed over the remains of 43 martyrs and their belongings. China paid the highest respect to these heroes upon their return.

Escorted by two J-20 fighter jets, a Y-20 PLA Air Force aircraft, also known as Kunpeng, carrying the remains of 43 CPV martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, landed at Shenyang Taoxian International Airport on Thursday.

Shortly after landing, the aircraft was greeted with a water cannon salute, the highest honor in civil aviation. The water arch, formed as the plane carrying the martyrs’ remains passed through, symbolized profound respect for the fallen heroes and served as a gesture of welcome, honoring their return and washing away the dust of their long journey.

Following the water cannon salute, soldiers solemnly carried the caskets of the fallen heroes off the aircraft and a reception ceremony was held at the airport. After the ceremony, the caskets were transported by military trucks to the CPV martyrs' cemetery in Shenyang.

The PLA Air Force has unveiled a mission emblem for retrieving the CPV martyrs’ remains. The emblem features the aircraft carrying out the mission, the “Long Live Peace” commemorative medal, and the slogan “PLA Air Force Brings You Home 2024,” honoring the martyrs and their spirit.

To welcome the heroes back home, Shenyang city in Northeast China’s Liaoning has prepared extensively for the martyrs’ return, including illuminating outdoor screens along their route to honor the martyrs, chinanews.com reported on Thursday.

The large screens on skyscrapers display the slogan “Mountains and Rivers Welcome Heroes Home” prominently against a red backdrop.

In addition to electronic outdoor screens, welcoming slogans are also displayed on buses, taxis, and at bus stops. The slogans and images, such as “Remember the martyrs, welcome the heroes home,” can be seen all across Shenyang, creating a heartwarming and unified tribute.

Shenyang has also lined the main roads with over 3,000 new national flags to honor the heroes. These meticulous arrangements highlight the city’s deep respect and admiration for the martyrs.

Since 2014, Shenyang has welcomed the return of remains of CPV martyrs for 11 consecutive years.

On Tuesday, Shenyang experienced its first snowfall of the winter, with illuminated screens adding warmth to the winter atmosphere. Many residents took out their phones to take photos in front of the large screens, as they paid tribute to the heroes and eagerly awaited their return.

This marks the return of the 11th batch of CPV martyrs’ remains from South Korea, bringing the total number of returned CPV martyrs’ remains to 981.

Global Times