By Ekena Wesley

 

In the humility of the Chinese - there has always been a tenacity to struggle, protect and preserve their common patrimony. Throughout its history, China has been invariably embattled by mainly its hostile neighbors at various points in time. But one thing became obvious in the process, which saw the Chinese nation grow into immense resilience as a people. We saw a strengthened people as a result of the invasion by dozen invaders who waged wars of conquest against China.

 

Britain had at no time seen a leader in living memory than the rise of Winston Churchill at a time he became so strategically relevant. A major World War had struck the planet and Europe was jittery at the ferocious cum belligerent spirit of the German invaders. The British were consumed the aura of trepidation that characterized the entire European continent amid the Nazi's onslaught.

 

Winston Churchill delivered the most powerful speech that stimulated some semblance of courage in the British nation. Whether the reassuring message of the then British Prime Minister completely allayed the fears that had gripped his country shall remain debatable for some time to come but the underlying understanding however - was that when the moment to inspire his people came - he stood the test of time and promised that Britain would go on to the end. That was made manifest in the gallantry of the British army as it fought side by side other European allies.

 

Various nations in history were confronted with similar circumstances and courageous interventions were seconded that squarely dealt with the challenges as they unfolded. Pearl Harbor in the United States also had its fair share of the rigors of a useless world war that captured international attention. Even Africa and African armies were drawn into the picture to support their former colonial masters. The Africans were mainly drafted in Asia to fight on the side of Britain and France.

 

Although all might not agree that war could not be the worst thing to happen to any country, every group of people have had the merits and demerits unearthed due to war situations. Nigeria was at war with itself when secession gave rise to some breakaway by so-called proponents of Biafra in Nigeria. The consequences of war bore witness to the harsh realities that occasioned nations and peoples victimized by its trappings. In view of all China's looming nightmare which variously plunged the country into war - a brainwave was evolved to deal appropriately with the series of attacks that China was faced with at the time. What could that have been? The Chinese people went to the drawing board. When they came out, the resultant was to build a fortress which to date extends into the sea. There is a high level of symbolism associated with the Great Wall. It symbolizes the Chinese people's endurance, resilience and courage when so much pressure was brought to bear on them.

 

But there is another side to all of this folks. There were constant moments of warlike acrimony coming from all corners at the behest of troublesome neighbors. The Chinese people did not despair. They succeeded in galvanizing hope in their hopelessness. Amid the tempestuous atmosphere, they worked diligently to serve their country. One needs to see the Great Wall to access the scale of resolute people who wanted to contain random untoward attacks and hostilities.

 

In the specially so admired history, culture and heritage of the Chinese people, various national leaders either led and inspired the people; motivated and invigorated their consciousness; mobilized ,and helped acculturate their self-fulfillment towards building a vibrant nation. In that nation, they have discovered a sense of pride and valor unpretending. There is also a sense of belonging and they love their country and identity.

 

Another element within the symbolism of the Chinese people pursuant to building the Great Wall is the resolve they confidently demonstrated to spend tireless days, weeks, months and years to do for themselves what no other person could do for them. The Chinese people consolidated their collective spirit and passion in the erection of the Great Wall. In the building of the Great Wall, we saw mind-framing patterned by dedicated people. That psyche lives on in the hearts and minds of the Chinese people today. The mammoth task united the people in some positive direction just as the fortress was meant to solidify a common determination to contain any aggression.

 

In the wake of their adversaries, the people of China spoke with one voice and a common language. That commonality sought to bind the Chinese nation together for great unity and understanding. We can emulate so much from the gallantry of the Great Asian country. No one is saying the path of warfare should be the order of the day but the lessons learnt from a courageous people in the hour of adversities must guide others who aspire to control their own destiny.

 

Lives, we cannot forget were sacrificed for a cause; blood got spilled while hundreds of thousands were wounded to preserve the Chinese heritage. The struggle and selflessness of the victims of those turbulent years are to account for the prosperity of today's China. Although the typical Chinese would not be carried away by heaping of praises over progress thus far, a lot have indeed been achieved. The Great Wall ignited their self-confidence as a people to meet their opponents head-on.

 

While the wars that baffled the Chinese variously might be gone - the legacy of a vibrantly strong cum robust people cannot be forgotten. Everyday hundreds of thousands of visitors - Chinese and foreigners alike do troop to the area to appreciate and reminisce the role and involvement of a fearless and enduring nation. Liberia can embrace the spirit of the triumphant Chinese people who rose to the occasion and stood the test of time when the nation looked up to them the most.

 

As our country braces itself in this post-conflict era amid the retinue of challenges we must face, we can only prayerfully hope that Liberians would wake up and sit up as the Great people of China did whenever trouble befell their nation. In China, all hands are on deck to steer that country to nobility. They feel dignified by all they do. But Liberians have to seize that opportunity with a new mindset and mentality of colored by altruism, commitment to serve and a priceless desire to patriotically do for Liberia what outsiders won't do. This is our plea.

Source: Heritage