Have you ever heard of Wang Jinshan? This veteran general was the deputy chief of staff of the Nanjing Military Region in the 70s, but his name may not be as loud as some war heroes in the long river of history. Wang Jinshan can deeply impress those who really understand what the spirit of a soldier and a sense of responsibility are. In 1978, on his deathbed, he entrusted his youngest son to his subordinate Guo Tao, hoping that Guo would take him to the army for training.
Wang Jinshan has a tenacious personality and is not afraid of difficulties, and this spirit has long been rooted in Guo Tao's heart. And Wang Jinshan's humility and low-key are also a major feature of him. For example, in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and the War of Liberation, he commanded many victories, but he never took credit for himself, and always said that "that is all in the past."
In 1972, Wang Jinshan and Guo Tao went to Beijing to report their work together, and were highly praised by Ye Shuai and Li Xiannian. Their interaction shows the deep friendship and mutual trust between the older generation of soldiers. Even when Wang Jinshan was seriously ill, many former colleagues and leaders came to visit him, and this relationship and friendship were particularly precious among soldiers.
During his time in the Nanjing Military Region, Wang Jinshan had good relations with many senior leaders, but he never used these connections for personal gain. Every Spring Festival, they will greet each other, and this deep friendship and respect is a microcosm of Wang Jinshan's interpersonal relationships.
Wang Jinshan's humility and persistence are not only reflected in his military career, but also in some of his small things. When the vehicle broke down, he insisted that Guo Tao accompany Xu Shiyou, and his inconvenient legs and feet kept up step by step, although he was already tired and out of breath. And when he learned that his illness was irreparable, he chose not to dwell on his grief, but to think about how to arrange the future of his family and work.
Before his death, Wang Jinshan's request to Guo Tao to let his youngest son go to the army for training also reflects his expectations for future generations: he hopes that they can experience the tempering of the army and learn from the spirit of responsibility, tenacity and sacrifice. This is not only his expectation for his son, but also for future generations, hoping that they will inherit and carry forward the fine traditions of the older generation of soldiers.
Wang Jinshan's life is a perfect interpretation of the responsibility and spirit of a soldier. In his view, the duty of a soldier is far more than fighting on the battlefield, but more about influencing and driving more people with his own practical actions in ordinary posts. Whether it was commanding operations in war, or training and management in peacetime, he embodied the qualities of a soldier.
Although he is not full of dramatic turns and blood-boiling scenes like in the movie, every ordinary choice and decision seems so important and worthy of respect. His life is a profound embodiment of the spirit of the soldiers, and it is also a subtle influence on later generations.
Wang Jinshan may be just a small ripple in the long river of history, but his influence on those who know him is far-reaching and lasting. In today's seemingly peaceful but challenging times, Wang Jinshan reminds us that true strength often comes from those who are obscure and stick to their beliefs. With their deeds, not their words, they show what true heroes are.