Old soldier guards 'sacred' cemetery for martyrs

In 1979, Liu was elected Party chief of the village. Since then, on Tomb-Sweeping Day every year, he and village cadres visit the cemetery and refresh the inscription with red paint.

In 2004, the Hunchun Party History Exhibition Hall was established in the village and Liu became a guide and interpreter, passing along stories about the Chinese Communists and the soldiers who sacrificed themselves in war.

"I hope to share the stories about these martyrs with more people, especially youth," he said. "They should know the stories of those who are lying in this cemetery. They sacrificed themselves to save other people and should receive great respect from generation to generation."

After retiring from village leadership in 2013, Liu has come to the cemetery virtually every day and will sweep at least three times a week.

"It is a sacred place and must be kept clean," he said.