Yan'an Series Travel Notes (VIII): Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall
Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall
Yan'an is a sacred site of revolution, so establishing a revolutionary history memorial hall is very natural. Construction began in 1950, initially at the Yan'an Nanguan Intercourse Office, then moved to Yangjialing in 1954, to Fenghuangshan Revolutionary Site in 1955, and to its current location next to Wangjiaping Revolutionary Site in 1973.
The large characters "Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall" were inscribed by Guo Moruo when he visited Yan'an in 1971. The exhibits in the memorial hall are all related to Party history, especially the history of Yan'an, or related artifacts. Those who are very familiar with Party history come here mainly to see the artifacts.
I visited Yan'an twice and came here both times.
This year, my visit coincided with September 9th. On this special day, I saw some people holding a memorial event in front of Chairman Mao's statue. Several representatives made on-site speeches, all expressing their remembrance of Chairman Mao.
I noticed that many visitors kept bowing in front of Chairman Mao's statue.
When I left and reached the main entrance, I met an elderly woman about 60 years old. She asked me, "Today is September 9th. Are there people coming for activities?" Although I didn't know which level of people she was referring to, I replied, "Yes, some people are here," because I had indeed seen people in front of the statue. After hearing this, she went in.
In China, the vast majority of people likely have feelings for Chairman Mao. Personally, I believe it is mainly because Chairman Mao's thoughts have deeply taken root in people's hearts. Everyone thinks many of his propositions were correct and feel they have not become outdated or abandoned. Therefore, in many places, one can see commemorative activities for Chairman Mao organized by the masses.
On September 9th, I visited the Fenghuangshan Revolutionary Site, Wangjiaping Revolutionary Site, Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, and Nanniwan. These places all bear the presence of the great leader, and many sites preserve the footprints of the great leader Chairman Mao. He truly deserves the people's memory and commemoration. Although ordinary people may not do earth-shattering things, the emotions that come from the heart are the most simple and sincere. Every person with a conscience will not forget the past, nor will they forget Chairman Mao's immense contributions.
