Salute, August 1 Military Flag: Troops Guarding the Islands and High Mountains

Around the time of the August 1 Army Day, the PLA Daily published an article titled "Salute, the August 1 Military Flag," telling the story of the steadfast dedication of officers and soldiers at islands in the East China Sea and highmountain observation and communication stations. The report focuses on an observation and communication station of a brigade under the Navy of the Eastern Theater Command and a highmountain observation and communication station in northern Fujian, showing their daily duty shifts, training, and legacy in remote positions. The article notes that Yang Zhou, a "post00s" soldier who enlisted for a second time, came to an East China Sea island from the frontier in Tibet and, beside a stone stele marking the baseline of territorial waters, came to understand anew the meaning of guarding. Ding Dong, a newly graduated cadet, moved from campus to high mountains and islands, and through internships in the open sea and duty on the mountain, gradually linked his post with the country's maritime defense. As support conditions improved, with 5G coverage, drone resupply, and barracks renovations, the officers and soldiers also gained more stable living and training conditions despite the harsh environment. The report also mentioned that the unit has carried forward the spirit of rooting itself in the mountains and seas from generation to generation by selecting model "mountain and sea guardians," passing on skills and mentoring, organizing experience materials, building mountain roads, and creating a "highmountain garden." The article concludes with "giving the best years to the August 1 military flag, to these mountains and seas," emphasizing the responsibility, steadfastness, and legacy of border and coastal defense officers and soldiers.