In the summer of 1964, Admiral Li Tianyou and his wife Du Qiyuan spent a rare vacation time in Beidaihe. Their photo captures a warm and cozy scene: they are swimming in the water, enjoying the company of the sun and the waves, and their faces are full of relaxed and happy smiles.
General Li Tianyou, the name of the founding general, is like a thunderbolt, but behind it is a difficult and legendary life process. He was born into a poor family in Guilin, Guangxi, and experienced the hardships of life at a young age. In order to survive, at the age of fourteen, he resolutely joined the Gui Army and began his military career. It was during these days that he came into contact with progressive ideas, strengthened his beliefs, and secretly joined our party.
Soon after, Li Tianyou participated in the Baise Uprising, and although he was not burly, he was brave and fearless. During the Red Army, he served as the commander of the special service company, and charged into battle many times, taking the lead. Despite being wounded twice in battle, leaving scars on his leg and chest, he earned the nickname "Little Tiger" for this, showing a tenacious will to fight and an indomitable spirit.
Li Tianyou's military career can be described as brilliant. He has served as regiment commander, division commander, brigade commander and other positions, and no matter what position he is in, he can win praise for his outstanding performance. In 1939, he was arranged by the organization to go to the Soviet Union to study, and studied with Liu Yalou, Lu Dongsheng and others, laying a solid foundation for future military command.
After returning to China, Li Tianyou played an important role in the War of Liberation. He was sent to work in the Northeast, and as Mr. Lin's right-hand man, he made great contributions to the victory of the Liberation War. After liberation, he was sent to Guangxi to take charge of the task of suppressing bandits. In the face of complicated terrain and stubborn banditry, he successfully solved the long-standing problem of banditry in Guangxi by virtue of his outstanding command ability and firm determination.
In terms of family life, Li Tianyou and his wife Du Qiyuan have a deep relationship. They married on New Year's Day 1945 and have five children together, including four boys and a girl. Although Li Tianyou passed away at the age of 56 and was unable to see his children start a family, his spirit and legacy have always been in the hearts of his family.
After the death of her husband, Du Qiyuan took on the responsibility of raising her children strongly, and witnessed their growth and family establishment. She lived comfortably in her later years and died peacefully in 2003. According to her last wishes, she and Li Tianyou were buried together in Emperor Yao's Garden in Guilin, Guangxi, realizing the wish of returning to the roots.