The Spirit of the Long March Through My Eyes
Aaron Kyle Schrag-Toso: The Great Story of the Long March Should Be Shared with the Whole World
美国留学生凯佑
来于都之前，我对长征只有一些零散的了解。踏上这片土地后，我的触动远超预期，不仅对长征有了更深刻的认识，也更加读懂了现代中国。
Before coming to Yudu, my understanding of the Long March was fairly limited. But after setting foot on this land, I was moved far more deeply than I had expected. Not only did I gain a much richer understanding of the Long March, but I also came to better understand modern China.
于都集结大桥
站在于都河边，看着一段渡口浮桥，听讲解员的讲述，我很容易想象出当年红军集结于此的场景：红军无论是兵力还是武器装备都远远落后于敌人，当时的军事指挥已经证明行不通，敌军又在不断逼近。局势十分严峻，几乎看不到胜算。
Standing on the banks of the Yudu River, gazing at the floating bridge and listening to the guide's explanation, I could easily picture the scene of the Red Army gathering here decades ago. In terms of both troop strength and weaponry, the Red Army was vastly outmatched by its enemies. Their previous strategy had already proved ineffective, while enemy forces continued to close in. The situation was extremely dangerous, with little hope of victory.
即便如此，红军将士依然选择坚持抗争。挺身而出的不只有红军战士，还有当地百姓。他们团结一致，克服重重困难，怀揣着过上好日子的希望往前走。
Even so, Red Army soldiers chose to keep fighting. And it was not only the soldiers who stepped forward—the local people did too. Together, they overcame tremendous difficulties and moved forward, holding on to the hope of building a better life.
现在，5座大桥横跨在于都河上，河边高楼林立、气势恢宏。我真切感受到，如今令人赞叹的中国，正是在红军和苏区人民的奉献与牺牲之上，一步步建立起来的。
Now, five bridges spanning the Yudu River, flanked by towering, majestic buildings. I truly felt that the sacrifices of the Red Army soldiers had not been in vain. The remarkable China we see today has been built, step by step, upon the dedication and sacrifices of the Red Army and the people of the revolutionary base areas.
纪念碑与现代大桥同框
我还在河边换上群众服装，参与了情景剧《告别》的演出，和当地群众一同重现当年百姓送别长征战士的场景。挥手送别时，我能体会到送别亲人踏上艰险路途的沉重心情——很多战士此去再没能回来。
I also changed into period civilian costumes and took part in an immersive reenactment titled ”Farewell”, recreating the emotional scene in which local villagers bid goodbye to the Red Army soldiers embarking on the Long March. As I waved farewell, I could almost feel the heavy emotions of seeing loved ones leave for an uncertain journey, knowing that many of them would never return.
最开始促使我学习中文的，是我在美国遇到的中国人身上那份温暖。当初说出第一句“你好”时，我完全没想到，这会为我打开通往魅力中国的大门。
What first inspired me to learn Chinese was the warmth and kindness of the Chinese people I met in the United States. When I spoke my very first "NiHao," I never imagined it would open the door to discover the richness and charm of China for me.
凯佑参加情景剧《告别》演出
现在来到于都，我有机会当面拜访这些红色故事讲述者，还观看了《长征第一渡》的舞台剧。我本来不算舞台剧爱好者，也从没想过一场舞台表演可以这么感人、震撼，视觉效果如此惊艳。重要的是，它所传递的长征精神与真挚情感，远比干巴巴的史料要生动和深刻得多。我真心希望全世界更多人都能来于都亲身感受一番。
Now, in Yudu, I had the opportunity to meet in person the people dedicated to preserving and sharing these revolutionary stories. I also watched the immersive live performance ”The First Crossing of the Long March.” I have never been much of a theater enthusiast, nor did I expect a stage production to move me so deeply. The visual effects were breathtaking. The acting, music, artistic design, and cutting-edge stage technology all exceeded my expectations. More importantly, however, the performance brought the spirit of the Long March and the emotions behind it vividly to life in a way that historical records alone never could. I sincerely hope that more people from around the world will have the opportunity to experience Yudu for themselves.
有幸当面聆听于都的长征故事宣讲，让我十分动容。我了解到当地有长征源宣讲团，走遍中国各大城市，为人们讲述长征故事。在如今数字化时代，这种面对面的交流格外珍贵。
Listening firsthand to local storytellers recount the history of the Long March was another deeply moving experience. I learned that Yudu has established a Long March Birthplace Storytelling Team that travels to cities across China, sharing the story of the Long March through face-to-face presentations. In today's digital age, this kind of personal interaction is especially valuable.
凯佑（左一）与当地居民在桥上合影
我特别希望中国的一些年轻人，能组建未来面向世界的国际宣讲团，把这个伟大的故事分享给全世界；也希望世界各地更多年轻人能学习汉语，像我一样亲身感受中国的善意与温暖，读懂长征这段塑造了中国的历史，理解现代中国。
I hope that one day, young Chinese people will form an international storytelling team capable of sharing these great stories with the world. At the same time, I hope more young people around the globe will learn Chinese so that, like me, they can experience China's kindness and warmth firsthand, appreciate the history of the Long March that helped shape the nation，and gain a deeper understanding of modern China.
来源：极目国际传播中心
口述：凯佑[美]|武汉大学
记者：周志兵 黄璐 熊星星 王楚 张灿
翻译：魏曦
审核：周芳 魏曦 马亚伦