Li Wanxue, the last living signatory of the Pu'er National Unity Oath Monument, passed away at the age of 93

China News Service, Kunming, August 30 (Lu Xicheng) Li Wanxue, the last living person among the 48 signatories of the Pu'er National Unity Oath Monument, passed away in Pu'er City, Yunnan Province on August 28 at the age of 93.

On the evening of August 30, China News Service called Li Wanxue’s daughter Li Jiangyan to confirm the news.

The Pu'er National Unity Oath Monument, which stands in Ning'er Hani and Yi Autonomous County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, is known as "the first monument of national unity in New China" and "the first monument of national work in New China."

In 1950, 35 representatives of various ethnic groups from the Pu'er Prefecture of Yunnan were invited to Beijing to attend the National Day ceremony marking the first anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and were received by Mao Zedong and other party and state leaders. On New Year's Day in 1951, more than 3,000 people from 26 ethnic groups in Pu'er Prefecture held an oath-taking meeting. According to the traditional customs of the Wa people, they slaughtered cows, drank cursed water, and swore an oath: "From now on, we are united with one heart and one mind, united to the end, and under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, we vow to strive to build a big family of equality, freedom, and happiness!" 48 representatives of all ethnic groups signed the oath, and the oath and signature were later engraved on a stone tablet.

Li Wanxue is one of the signing representatives. He was born in Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County, Pu'er City in October 1932. He started going to school at the age of 15 and also worked as a messenger and newspaper deliverer in the township. In August 1950, he was selected to study financial knowledge in Ning'er County. During this period, he participated as a student representative in the First Conference of Representatives of Brothers and Nationalities in Pu'er District and witnessed the entire process of the cattle piracy alliance.

Li Jiangyan said that over the years, her father Li Wanxue often told neighbors and visitors about the origins and stories behind the Pu'er National Unity Oath Monument, and was invited to preach in various places. Although he had limited mobility in his later years, he still insisted on attending commemorative activities related to the Oath Monument.

"I hope young people will maintain the Pu'er National Unity Oath Monument and let it stand forever. Carry forward the spirit of national unity and pass it on from generation to generation." Li Wansheng said in an interview with the media before his death. (over)