Honoring the Spirit of Resistance: A Tribute to Liu Guojun and the Legacy of Courage
Introduction:
This article is an English adaptation of a speech originally delivered at Changzhou Liu Guojun Vocational and Technical School by Xiong Qingyun, the school’s Party Secretary. Presented under the theme “弘扬抗战精神” (“Promoting the Spirit of the War of Resistance”), it commemorates both the enduring legacy of industrialist Liu Guojun and the passing of his daughter Ms. Liu Biru, who died peacefully on August 29, 2025 at the age of 107.
Source: Changzhou Liu Guojun Vocational and Technical School, speech manuscript.
Honoring the Spirit of Resistance: A Tribute to Liu Guojun and the Legacy of Courage
By Xiong Qingyun (熊青云)
Dear teachers and fellow students,
Good morning.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Liu Biru, daughter of the renowned patriotic industrialist Mr. Liu Guojun and Chair of the Liu Guojun Memorial Foundation. She passed away peacefully at 7:00 a.m. on August 29, at the age of 107. May she rest in peace.
Our school, founded in 1989 and named after Mr. Liu Guojun, is a full-time public vocational institution under the supervision of the Changzhou Municipal Education Bureau. It pioneered the urban vocational education center model in China. Each year, during orientation, new students walk the historical path, pay tribute to Liu Guojun’s statue, and visit the memorial hall dedicated to his life and legacy.
Today’s address is titled “Remembering the War of Resistance, Carrying Forward the Spirit of Strength.” I’d like to begin by briefly reintroducing Mr. Liu Guojun, a national figure and a local hero of Changzhou who exemplified the spirit of resistance and industrial patriotism.
Mr. Liu Guojun was a leading figure in modern Chinese industry and a staunch patriot. He played a pivotal role in the development of China’s textile sector and worked closely with the Communist Party of China, supporting the leadership of the People’s Government. He held numerous public roles, including Chairman of the Changzhou Federation of Industry and Commerce, Chairman of the Changzhou Democratic National Construction Association, Vice Chairman of the Changzhou CPPCC, and later Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province.
In 1915, he co-founded the first mechanized textile factory in the Changzhou region. Over the years, he invested in and established several textile and dyeing enterprises, including the renowned Dacheng Textile and Dyeing Company in 1930. Under his leadership, Dacheng’s capital grew from 500,000 to 4 million yuan in just eight years, with spindles increasing from 10,000 to 80,000 and the company expanding from one to four factories. Economist Ma Yinchu once called this growth “a rare miracle.”
When war broke out in 1937, Dacheng’s factories were bombed and looted during the Japanese invasion. Despite these losses, Liu Guojun continued production in Hankou, Chongqing, and Hong Kong, using industry as a form of resistance. His life was marked by integrity, perseverance, generosity, and a commitment to learning—rising from apprentice to industrial titan.
President Xi Jinping has emphasized: “We must tell the stories of the War of Resistance well and pass on its great spirit from generation to generation.” This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global fight against fascism. That war brought immense suffering to humanity, but through courage and unity, the forces of justice triumphed over darkness.
History is our best teacher. Though today’s youth live in peace, we must never forget the sacrifices of the past. Attempts to distort or erase history betray human conscience and justice. We must uphold a truthful view of World War II and reject revisionism. The lessons of war remind us that domination and militarism are not paths to peace or progress.
As students of Liu Guojun Vocational School—future master craftsmen of our nation—we must transform the patriotic spirit of resistance into a personal mission to strengthen our country. Let us turn resilience into determination, and hardship into growth. Guided by our school motto—“Enter to gain wisdom and skill; go forth to serve the nation and humanity”—we must embrace the enduring value of the resistance spirit.
In our studies, let us be diligent and fearless in pursuit of knowledge and skill. In character, let us cultivate integrity and responsibility. In daily life, let us foster unity, kindness, and a vibrant campus culture. Through the lens of youth in a new era, we will write the next chapter in the development of Liu Guojun Vocational School and contribute our energy, wisdom, and passion to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Thank you.
Additional Notes:
This English version has been adapted for accessibility to English-speaking readers, with minor adjustments made for clarity. All images and captions are sourced from the original publication, with copyrights retained by their original creators, included to honor the spirit and details of the initial work. The original article in Chinese is available for viewing here.
Attribution & Credentials:
- Original Source | Changzhou Liu Guojun Vocational and Technical School, speech manuscript.
