Liu Jinjin, a former Red Army soldier who turns 100 years old this year, gives a salute from his home in Changting county, Fujian province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The then 20-year-old Liu joined the CPC-led Red Army in 1934. The No.34 division of the army embarked on the “Long March” military retreat in October the same year, starting from Yudou county in Jiangxi province.

The KMT army intercepted the troop in Hunan province in November and that was when the Xiangjiang Battle, one of the hardest-fought, took place. And the No.34 division was almost completely wiped out.

Liu, who got hurt during the retreat, was hidden by local residents and given shelter and medical treatment.