A burial ceremony for the remains of the thirteenth batch of Chinese People’s Volunteers soldiers who died in the Korean War was held on the morning of April 23 at the Shenyang Anti-US Aggression and Aid Korea Martyrs’ Cemetery. The spirits of 12 volunteer soldiers returned to Chinese soil after being away from the motherland for over 70 years.

At around 10 a.m., the ceremony began with the military band playing the melodious “Song of Missing.” Honor guards, under the armed escort of ceremonial soldiers, slowly carried the caskets of the volunteer soldiers’ remains into the memorial square. All present stood in silence, singing the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China. After the eulogy was read, everyone bowed their heads in silent tribute to the remains of the volunteer soldiers and made three bows. Twenty-seven honor guards fired 12 shots in succession, paying high respect to the heroes.

The “Song of Missing” played again as the honor guards escorted the caskets to the burial crypt. All attendees solemnly bid farewell, laid flowers in front of the martyrs, and paid respects at the Martyrs’ Name Wall.

Li Jianhao, a sophomore student from Macau Fong Chong School, placed a chrysanthemum in front of the Martyrs’ Name Wall. He said, “I am very excited to participate in today’s burial ceremony. My heart is filled with deep respect for the heroes, and I more deeply understand how hard-won today’s peace is.”

Nearly 500 people attended the ceremony, including representatives of the martyrs’ families, officers and soldiers from heroic units of the Anti-US Aggression and Aid Korea War, heroic astronauts, Olympic athletes, and Young Pioneers. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Ceremonial Guard Battalion and a brigade of the Northern Theater Army were tasked with carrying out the honor guard duties for this burial ceremony.

Since 2014, China and South Korea, upholding the spirit of humanitarianism, have completed the handover of the remains of Chinese People’s Volunteers soldiers for 13 consecutive years, bringing back a total of 1,023 martyrs for burial in their homeland.

Shenyang Anti-US Aggression and Aid Korea Martyrs’ Cemetery

The Shenyang Anti-US Aggression and Aid Korea Martyrs’ Cemetery is a memorial site in Shenyang, China, dedicated to the Chinese soldiers who died during the Korean War (1950–1953). Established in the 1950s, it honors the sacrifices made by Chinese forces in the conflict, often referred to in China as the “War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea.” The cemetery serves as a solemn reminder of the war’s human cost and the international dimensions of the Korean conflict.

Martyrs’ Name Wall

The Martyrs’ Name Wall is a memorial feature at the September 11th Memorial in New York City, inscribed with the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Located on bronze parapets surrounding the twin reflecting pools, the names are arranged in a meaningful pattern based on relationships and locations during the attacks. It serves as a solemn tribute, ensuring each victim is individually honored and remembered.