Young guard's tears spark nation's pride

A young People's Liberation Army soldier has shot to fame in China's cyberspace after a picture of an emotional moment at the Olympics went viral.

Yan Zhen, a member of the PLA Honor Guard, was captured by a Reuters photographer who noticed tears running down his cheek during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games on Friday at the capital's National Stadium.

"I was on the flagpole stage with my heart full of pride," the soldier, who is in his early 20s, told the Xinhua News Agency.

"I was thinking that all the prosperity and power of my motherland was gained through the struggle and devotion of so many people.That moment I felt a mixture of pride and affection, so I couldn't hold back my tears."

In another interview with China Central Television, Yan said: "As a member of the flag-raising team for the opening ceremony, we know that the flag is a symbol of national dignity and pride. Behind that rising flag stands a powerful country. I felt my chest fill with strength at that moment."

The photo of the honor guard soon began to circulate on Chinese websites and social networks, and touched many people."Why my eyes are filled with tears? It is because I adore this land profoundly," read the most liked comment on the CCTV News WeChat account, which used a famous line by the late poet Ai Qing.

Another comment read: "I was moved by the soldier's love for our country."Many internet users said they also cried when reading Yan's story.

According to the young guard, 2022 is his fifth year of service in the PLA Honor Guard, which is stationed in northwestern suburbs of Beijing.He was selected for the opening ceremony's flag-raising team after rounds of tests and then took part in a special three-month training session.

Yan's commanding officer Han Jie, told CCTV that young honor guards like Yan practiced the flag-raising procedure many times each day, so they would show an outstanding image to the world.