Go back in time and be a chaebol

Chapter 2688 Above All in the World (First Update, Please Subscribe)
Graves are places that everyone will inevitably visit in their lifetime.

They may be mourned or laid to rest in peace.

The Martyrs' Shrine, located in the southeast of Chang'an, is about 12km from the landing point. It is the largest and most well-known national military cemetery in the SEA, and resting here is considered an honor for the deceased.

Soldiers give their lives, but they gain honor here.

Apart from military personnel, only a very small number of civilians can be buried here, such as John Rabe.

8 month 31 day.

This is SEA Memorial Day. Thirty-five years ago on this day, Allied search teams landed in Marseille, beginning their battles in Europe, and also their bloodshed and sacrifice.

Later, this day became both the anniversary of the landing in Europe and Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers. It was a national holiday, and children did not have to go to school. The national day of remembrance began at 3 PM Chang'an time to mourn the SEA soldiers who died in various wars.

On this day, all cities hold ceremonies to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

Early on the morning of the "Memorial Day," soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Regiment walked past rows of tombstones at the Martyrs' Shrine. Each soldier stopped before a tombstone, took one from a bundle of flags they were carrying, and placed it in front of the tombstone.

The soldiers all considered it a special privilege to be able to personally place the flag on the graves of these soldiers who fought valiantly or died on the battlefield.

The white tombstones, the blue double-star flag, and the green grass create a striking and impactful scene.

This is sEA's most solemn and grandest anniversary.

On this day, families and individuals remember their deceased loved ones. They go to church to pray, visit cemeteries, lay flowers, and even mourn, making the day solemn and respectful.

This is a day of remembrance.

On this day, Remembrance Day is held as scheduled in various cities, regardless of wind, frost, snow, or rain, whether it is a central city, a satellite city, or even a small town.

Among the processions in various places, the most eye-catching were the veterans, many of whom were over seventy years old, yet still wearing their old uniforms, some from the Allied forces and others from the early SEA, waving to the people in formation; some, though their steps were unsteady, still insisted on carrying flags and walking at the front of the procession. Although the uniforms and even the flags were different, the people along the way greeted them with enthusiastic applause as the procession passed by.

Military parades are almost never held here, but nearby military bases always send soldiers to participate and display their weapons and equipment. Such parades are obviously too informal, but they also create a festive atmosphere that is both solemn and joyful.

Veterans and young soldiers walked toward the city center amidst the cheers and applause of the crowd. The soldiers thus earned the respect and love of the people, while politicians made their presence felt by participating, some of whom also wore military uniforms.

The various people in the parade would hand out candy to the children watching along the route, which always delighted the kids. Every year on Remembrance Day, the children enthusiastically participate, not only to show their respect and remembrance for the heroes, but also to grab those tempting candies. While enjoying the sweetness of the candy, they also remember, cherish, and look forward to this day, making its educational significance even more profound.

At the same time, several fighter jets drew an arc across the blue sky, paying the highest tribute to the heroic fallen soldiers.

In fact, this in itself is a form of education. Education doesn't necessarily mean telling them how to do something, but rather letting them feel and experience it in this kind of atmosphere.

That afternoon.

As the nationwide mourning began, many people were already standing in front of the Martyrs' Shrine. People came here as usual, but today, everything seemed different.

After the buglers in front of the Martyrs' Shrine sounded the "Lights Out" clarion call, two honor guards carried a wreath and presented it to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following behind the honor guards was Li Yi'an, who laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Why is it the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
In fact, all SEA soldiers who died in battle have their names recorded, so why is there a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

This Martyrs' Shrine doesn't just belong to SEA; it belongs to many martyrs, some famous, some unknown, but here they receive offerings from the people.

Here, people will not forget them, nor will they criticize them. Their loyal souls deserve to be worshipped, remembered, missed, and respected.

After observing three minutes of silence, Li Yi'an walked to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, knelt on one knee, and placed two flowers in his hand in front of the tomb, which was already covered with flowers.

Those who are loyal to their country are above all else in the world!
This is the most basic rule in a society!
Everyone, regardless of status, is insignificant in the face of martyrs.

After presenting the flowers, Li Yi'an pondered silently for a moment, and the image of fighting alongside his old comrades in Bastogne once again appeared in his mind.

As people get older, they tend to think about many things. Then, he carefully adjusted the ribbon on the wreath.

Sun Qifan, who was participating in such an event for the first time, didn't even know how to describe his feelings. He looked at the solemn people around him and their expressions. The respect they showed was genuine, not something they were putting on.

In that instant, he seemed to understand a lot.

At this point, Your Excellency began your speech:

"On this occasion, I felt even more deeply the extraordinary qualities of our soldiers. Our country was born in the flames of war, and we rose from the ruins of war. We tried every means to avoid getting into war, but when we had to fight, it called on its sons and daughters to go to the battlefield. And the sons and daughters responded to the call with the highest sacrifice. They proved their belief in SEA with their actions."

Many sons and daughters gave everything for their country, and they lie in sacred tombs as heroes who defended the nation. Never before have we sent so many sons and daughters to fight abroad, carrying the double-starred flag; never before have we received so many heroes' remains back to their beloved homeland. As far as I know, there has never been a more moving scene in history…” This was the first time Li Yi’an had spoken on a wartime memorial day, making it particularly significant. After all, death is inevitable in war, and while the advent of drones has changed warfare, it cannot prevent the sacrifice of soldiers.

Whether in the Middle East or on other battlefields, soldiers will always be sacrificed. Ambushes, suicide bombings, and roadside bombs will always take the lives of some soldiers.

This was indeed an unprecedented sacrifice for the SEA forces.

"The fallen soldiers cannot see our ceremonies. They cannot feel the sorrow and grief we felt when we brought their remains home for burial, as if they were our closest relatives and dearest comrades. Their bodies are merely the material vessels of their noble souls, souls that have burned out in patriotic dedication, illuminating the hope of civilization on the battlefield. Their sacrifice brings tyrants and despots one step closer to the trial of justice..."

They gave everything that ordinary people could give. If we do not wish their sacrifice to be in vain, we must give our all. We will never forget them, whether they rest in peace on their beloved homeland or fall on the battlefield where they bled. They sacrificed themselves to defend their country, to defend freedom, and to uphold justice. We remember them, we are grateful to them, we respect them…

Your speech was not long, and Sun Qifan, who was used to long speeches, was even a little unaccustomed to it. Even the content of the speech was somewhat unsuitable, as it was plain and focused more on the fallen soldiers themselves than on the great cause.

He looked at the gentleman on the stage. He was unusually young, but his father had fought under his command. There was a video provided by the Veterans Affairs Commission at home, which was a documentary film about his father's burial. In the documentary, he saw his father's name and photo.

I also saw this gentleman, who was wearing a military uniform at the time. He walked up to him and touched the coffins one by one.

And it was from that time that they came to where they are today. From the battlefields of Europe to Southeast Asia, they built bustling cities and developed industries in the ruins of the war and in the dense rainforest.

"Dad, I think I understand..."

Understand what?
Perhaps only Sun Qifan himself knows that, for the thirty-five-year-old Sun Qifan, at this moment, he has truly let go of the past and his father whom he has never met.

Although he had experienced a lot in the past thirty years, at this moment, he let go of everything, and all he needed to do was start his new life.

Then the melody of "We Rise from the Rainforest" started playing again. Although he didn't know how to sing this song, he still sang along with them and put his hands on his chest, looking a little awkward.

Many people around him were in the same boat as him; they were all a little unaccustomed to it, after all, it was their first time participating in such an event, just like him. But everyone was deeply moved.

As they gazed upon the Martyrs' Shrine, it seemed as if they were seeing their departed loved ones once more; though more than thirty years had passed, their faces remained unchanged...

They are no longer getting old.

……

You will not be forgotten.

This is a promise, and also a value.

After leaving the Martyrs' Shrine, Li Yi'an sat there, silently tapping his knees with his fingers, his mind filled with thoughts of those white tombstones.

Seeing him like this, Margaret assumed he was still immersed in the heaviness of the activity, and so she spoke up:
"My dear, Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher will be visiting Chang'an next week. This will be her first visit to Chang'an since her defeat in the election. The news says she is looking forward to meeting you."

Hearing his wife mention Margaret Thatcher, Li Yi'an snapped out of his reverie and said:
“She not only wanted to meet with me, she wanted to end the military operations in the Middle East as soon as possible.”

"Oh, doesn't the Conservative Party support military action in the Middle East?"

Margaret looked at her husband with some surprise:

Why did she do that?

"Because the Labour Party turned the tide this time precisely because of the British military operation in Lebanon."

The world can change unexpectedly. Three years later, Margaret Thatcher's expedition to Argentina led to the recapture of the Falklands, sparking a wave of patriotism at home and boosting the government's and her own reputation. This ultimately led to her victory in the general election and her re-election as Prime Minister.

However, the London terrorist attacks at the end of last year, while giving Britain a resounding slap in the face, also gave James Callaghan an opportunity. Although his attitude toward the war on terror was not so tough, it did not prevent him from using it to stir up a wave of "patriotism" at home, which enhanced the reputation of the government and himself, and helped him win re-election as prime minister in May of this year.

What is this change?
That lady has to take a backseat for now.

"Therefore, she needs to put an end to this war,"

Li Yi'an added:
"Moreover, although the UK's economic situation has improved in recent years, it has not actually recovered from the impact of the oil crisis. The war expenditure has increased the burden on the UK economy. Now there is dissatisfaction in the British public opinion regarding the war on terror, while the opposition attributes economic problems to the war."

Compared to the Middle East, the economy is undoubtedly more important. Since the adversary has gained points in the war, she will gain points in the economic sphere.

These are what politicians are all about; they never consider issues from the perspective of the nation, they only think about politics and self-interest. These politicians...

As he was reflecting on his feelings, he heard his wife ask:
"So, what about you? Will you agree to her request?"

(End of this chapter)