By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 16, 2024, China commemorates the 60th anniversary of its first successful atomic bomb detonation. To mark this significant occasion, Tsinghua University hosted the opening ceremony of the exhibition titled “Devoting Oneself to the Country: Tsinghua Contributors Among the ‘Two Bombs, One Satellite’ Heroes” at its Historical Museum. The event featured the unprecedented public unveiling of valuable archives from notable figures associated with the “Two Bombs and One Satellite” project, including Qian Sanqiang, Qian Xuesen, Deng Jiaxian, and Wang Ganchang. Family members of several of these heroes were present to celebrate the exhibition’s launch.
In the lead-up to the National Day in 1999, 23 scientists who made outstanding contributions to the “Two Bombs and One Satellite” initiative were awarded the “Two Bombs and One Satellite Merit Medal,” with 14 of them having studied or worked at Tsinghua University.
The exhibition showcases 126 rare photographs along with over 60 archival items and artifacts from 14 of the “Two Bombs and One Satellite” heroes. Visitors can view important documents such as Qian Xuesen’s application for studying in the U.S., Deng Jiaxian’s manuscript on “Quantum Field Theory,” and Wang Ganchang’s notebook, written under the pseudonym “Wang Jing.” For the first time, the exhibition provides a focused display of student registration cards from 12 heroes archived at Tsinghua University, including materials donated by Qian Sanqiang.
Standing before the display case, Deng Jiaxian’s grandson, Deng Yuyou, expressed his feelings about seeing his grandfather’s student registration card from Southwest Associated University for the first time. The card notes that Deng Jiaxian was 18 years old and a junior in the Physics Department, along with a photo of him at that age. “This represents the most beautiful image of his life,” Deng Yuyou reflected.
In the memories of Chen Fangyun’s granddaughter, Chen Jingjing, her grandfather was a humble and low-key person. “He never liked being in the spotlight; he preferred to work quietly behind the scenes,” she shared, having grown up closely observing him. She recalled how many of his possessions, like his pen holder and glasses case, were well-used and repaired repeatedly. “For him, the greatest joy came from achievements in science and technology and the progress of the nation.”
Recollecting his childhood impressions of his grandfather, Wang Ganchang’s grandson, Wang Shihua, remembered that many boxes at home were marked “Wang Jing.” However, his family did not elaborate on the story behind the pseudonym, simply saying, “Grandpa lives in a mailbox.”
Deng Yuyou also shared a touching quote from his grandmother, who recalled that Deng Jiaxian often praised the purity of people’s thoughts and noble character using the term “pure.” “He continually aimed to hold himself to the same standard in his own conduct,” Deng Yuyou remarked during his speech.
“I believe that if my grandfather Deng Jiaxian could see the industrious individuals across various sectors of China today, witness the advancements in our technology, and observe the resurgence of the Chinese nation, he would surely beam with that same ‘pure’ smile once again.”