In the heart of the majestic Taihang Mountains in Licheng county, Changzhi city, Shanxi province, the Huangyadong Martyrs Cemetery lies amid solemn pine and cypress trees. There, 44 martyrs rest, their stories whispering in the wind.

For 34 years, 80-year-old Zhao Naitang has been the silent sentinel of this sacred ground, dedicating his life to the memory of those who sacrificed theirs.

Each morning at 6, as the mountain breeze rustles through the trees, Zhao begins his day with a ritual of care and respect. With a gentle hand, he wipes the dust from the gravestones, his aged fingers trembling slightly, moving with precision. As the sun casts a warm glow on his weathered face, Zhao sweeps the paths, ensuring that the final resting place of these heroes remains pristine.

"As long as I can move, I will guard these heroes. After so many years, they feel like family to me. My heart is here," says Zhao.

Zhao's journey began in 1991, and was driven by a promise to honor the martyrs of the Huangyadong Defense Battle, a fierce fight during China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). The battle, primarily to protect a crucial arsenal for the Eighth Route Army led by the Communist Party of China, lasted for eight days and nights in November 1941.

Zhao's father and uncles participated in building the arsenal and supporting the army with supplies. Their stories, recounted by his father, left an indelible mark on Zhao's young heart.

In 1964, at the age of 19, he joined the village militia and quickly became the company commander. Later, while working in a steel factory, he would often go up the mountain to pay respects at the cemetery, which dates to 1942. His visits deepened his resolve to honor the legacy of the heroes.

The cemetery is located deep inside a national forest park, 45 kilometers from the nearest settlement. When the position for a guardian of the cemetery became available, Zhao accepted without hesitation. The unmarried man moved into a row of old houses previously used as barracks, where he lives alone.

"To preserve the graves properly, to watch over the martyrs and pass on the stories of these heroes," he says, recounting his promise.

For over three decades, Zhao has tended to the cemetery with dedication. He pulls weeds, fills in holes, and wipes the gravestones. Even during storms, he can be found patrolling the grounds, sweeping away branches, and ensuring the cemetery remains undisturbed.

The Huangyadong Defense Battle was a costly engagement. The Eighth Route Army suffered 166 casualties while inflicting over 1,000 on the enemy. The 44 martyrs interred in the cemetery include 40 originally buried at the site, each of whom is named, and four others relocated from elsewhere, whose identities are not known.

"Though I am not related by blood, I consider myself their kin," Zhao says.

Beyond his role as caretaker, he serves as an unofficial guide, sharing tales of bravery with visitors. His simple home, furnished with an old television, a radio, and a few pieces of furniture, reflects his modest lifestyle. But on special occasions, he spends his own money on flowers for the martyrs.

Visitors are often moved by Zhao's dedication. "Listening to Grandpa Zhao's story is incredibly touching," says Yao Liqiong, a visitor. "We must carry forward the spirit of our predecessors, and Zhao's work is admirable."

Chen Shiyan, a high school student from Changzhi, echoes this sentiment: "Without the martyrs' sacrifices, we wouldn't have the happiness we enjoy today. We must remember our mission and study hard."

In December 2023, Zhao was recognized as Changzhi city's "Honest and Trustworthy Moral Model", inspiring others to join him in preserving the Red spirit of the revolution. His 34-year vigil, marked by his hair turning from black to white, exemplifies the meaning of a promise kept.

Contact the writers at dengzhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn