September 8, 1944
This is Mao Zedong’s speech at the memorial meeting of Zhang Side by the Central Guard Corps of the Communist Party of China.
Our Communist Party and the Eighth Route Army and New Fourth Army led by the Communist Party are revolutionary teams. This team of ours is entirely for the liberation of the people and works completely for the interests of the people. Comrade Zhang Side is a comrade in our team.
People always have to die, but the meaning of death is different. In ancient China, a writer named Sima Qian said: "Everyone is destined to die, and it may be heavier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather." To die for the interests of the people is heavier than Mount Tai; to work for the fascists and die for those who exploit and oppress the people is lighter than a feather. Comrade Zhang Side died for the interests of the people, and his death was heavier than Mount Tai.
Because we serve the people, if we have shortcomings, we are not afraid of criticism from others. It doesn’t matter who it is, whoever points it out to us. As long as you are right, we will correct it. The method you suggest is good for the people, so we will do it. The idea of "better troops and simpler administration" was put forward by Mr. Li Dingming, a non-party person. He made a good idea and it is good for the people, so we adopted it. As long as we stick to what is good and correct what is wrong for the benefit of the people, our team will surely prosper.
We come from all over the world and come together for a common revolutionary goal. We still need to follow this path with the majority of the people in the country. Today we already lead base areas with a population of 91 million, but this is not enough. We need a larger base to liberate the entire nation. When our comrades are in difficulties, they must see the results, see the light, and increase their courage. The Chinese people are suffering, we have the responsibility to save them, and we must work hard. If there is a struggle, there will be sacrifices, and death often happens. But we think of the interests of the people and the suffering of the majority of the people, and when we die for the people, it is a worthy death. However, we should try to minimize unnecessary sacrifices. Our cadres must care for every soldier, and all members of the revolutionary ranks must care for each other, love each other, and help each other.
From now on, no matter who dies in our team, whether he is a cook or a soldier, as long as he has done some useful work, we will bury him and hold a memorial service. This needs to become a system. This method must also be introduced to the common people. When someone from the village dies, a memorial service is held. In this way, we express our condolences and unite the entire people.
