The parade ground was bustling once again.
The soldiers stood in neat square formations by company, dressed in their regular uniforms and standing solemnly on the track.
On the reviewing stand sat the leaders of the recruit regiment, along with leaders from the army.
"March-past, begin!"
As the regiment leader's command rang out, the melody of the March of the People's Liberation Army soon rolled across the parade ground through the loudspeakers.
The piece had vivid imagery, a smooth melody, firm tones, and steady rhythm. It vividly expressed the bold and majestic military might of the people's army, carrying an indomitable fighting spirit and the overwhelming force to crush all in its path.
Its lyrics were familiar to the masses.
Forward, forward, forward~
Our ranks march toward the sun
Our feet upon the motherland's soil
Our backs bearing the nation's hopes...
But what played now had no lyrics, only instrumental music, serving as the drumbeat for the formations advancing during the drill. It was the same background music used during grand military parades...
Upon hearing the command, Wang Yan, selected as the color guard standard-bearer, unfurled the military flag resting on his shoulder and gave it a sharp shake into the wind. With a crack, it snapped open.
After waiting quietly for two beats and matching the rhythm, he shouted, "Forward~ march!"
The flag guards at his sides moved in unison. The three of them led the way, marching in step. Behind them, the formations followed Wang Yan's unit amid repeated cries of "Forward, march!"...
Military parades were always a sight to behold. The perfectly synchronized movements and surging sense of strength hit you head-on. Even though only a thousand or so recruits were being inspected, the goose steps they kicked out and the slogans they shouted still felt earth-shaking.