"Half a Quilt" story reflects the spirit of the Long March and the original aspiration to serve the people

CCTV's "Focus Interview" reported on the story of the "Half a Quilt" that took place in Shazhou Village, Rucheng, Hunan, in November 1934. When three female Red Army soldiers stayed overnight at villager Xu Jiexiu's home, they cut their only marching quilt in half and left it to the people in the cold weather. Later, they also lived and ate together with the villager's family, reflecting the Red Army's strict discipline and the deep, bondlike friendship between the army and the people. The report reviewed that the Long March was not only a history of arduous trekking, but also an expedition that relied closely on the people. The "Half a Quilt" is regarded as a vivid portrayal of the peoplecentered nature of the Long March spirit, emphasizing standing together with the people through wind and rain and sharing the same bloodline, which was an important source of strength for the victory of the Long March. The program also introduced the changes in Shazhou Village in recent years. Through industrial support, employment assistance, and the driving force of grassroots organizations, the local area has promoted increases in villagers' income and improved the living environment, and the incomes of the village collective and villagers have increased significantly. The report pointed out that this story is still being continuously carried on today, becoming an important footnote for understanding the Communist Party's original aspiration and mission, as well as rural development.