Chapter 207: A Different Conferring Ceremony
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
At two o’clock in the afternoon, the training field came to life as the new recruits’ title ceremony officially commenced.
All the recruits, now dressed in their uniforms, assembled on the training ground.
There were a total of ninety-five recruits present, and while the numbers weren’t large, the atmosphere was far from insignificant.
Flanking the formation were several armored vehicles, tanks, and military vehicles mounted with machine guns.
On the sidelines, a seasoned veteran proudly held the 8th Army flag.
In front of them all, a makeshift ceremonial stage had been erected.
Under the towering backdrop of the Army No. 81 emblem, a row of tables was set up, and the regiment commander personally presided over the ceremony.
Cameras and video recorders were strategically positioned, capturing every moment.
It wasn’t just the regiment’s public relations team; the division’s public relations department was also in attendance.
“Rise. 1 have no intention of doing otherwise…”
As the national anthems played, all the recruits, veterans, the regimental commander, and the parents watching the ceremony joined in singing.
With the conclusion of the National Anthem:
“Now, I announce the orders…”
The regiment commander stood in place, reading the document aloud.
“I hereby bestow upon… the Iron Bones Hero Squad recruit the rank of Private!”
As the regiment commander finished speaking, Wu Jianfeng called out loudly, “The representative of the new recruits has been selected!”
“Whoosh!”
Wang Ye was not the sole participant who stepped out of the formation.
The vice presidents of the nine classes rose together.
Wang Ye had only learned about the specific proceedings of today’s award ceremony at noon. It was also then that he discovered that although he was the sole representative of the recruits to speak, he was not the only one chosen to award the title.
Furthermore, Wang Ye had an inkling that this afternoon’s title ceremony would be exceptionally unique.
As Wang Ye and the others moved forward and stood facing the regiment commander’s table, they were taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
Wu Jianfeng raised his voice once more.
On the side, the family members, who had been waiting anxiously, also formed a line and walked forward with slightly unsteady steps.
This morning, an impromptu training session had been organized for the parents of the new recruits’ representatives. It was clear that today’s ceremony was going to be anything but ordinary.
Under normal circumstances, the military ranks of new recruits were bestowed by the commanding officer during the ceremony. However, today, the regiment commander and others had something different in mind.
Since they had extended invitations to the recruits’ parents, they aimed to make this ceremony even more special.
For the nine recruits who had excelled during their time in the recruit company, the award presentation had been modified. This year, their parents would personally assist in affixing their military ranks.
As the parents approached Wang Ye and the others, they turned to face their children in an unconventional manner.
At that moment, Wang Ye caught sight of his father’s beaming countenance.
It was a genuine smile—one that Wang Ye had scarcely witnessed in both his lifetimes.
Of course, he had seen it more than once in the past couple of days. However, today, it seemed to shine even more brightly.
Son, you’ve done marvelously!”
Wang Jianjun couldn’t help but commend him.
Wang Ye smiled in response but made no other gesture.
At that moment, Wang Jianjun produced the military ranks provided by the army and proceeded to bestow the rank upon Wang Ye, following the instructions he had been given.
Simultaneously, the other parents also stood erect, allowing their fathers or mothers to attach their military ranks.
Wang Ye firmly believed that this day, shared by the nine of them and their parents, would forever remain etched in their memories.
After a few dozen seconds, Wang Ye turned his body around.
Having completed the task of conferring the titles, Wang Jianjun and the others were escorted to the designated viewing area for family members.
Their mission was accomplished.
“About turn!”
When the parents departed, Wu Jianfeng issued a loud command.
Wang Ye and the others promptly turned around.
Meanwhile, the other recruits who had been positioned below the stage began to disperse and return to their positions.
They did not receive the same treatment as Wang Ye’s group of nine. Earlier, they had been awarded titles in pairs, with their comrades assisting one another.
It was impossible not to feel a sense of sadness and envy towards Wang Ye and his team.
Yet, they could only blame themselves for not putting in enough effort.
The privilege of receiving such treatment was reserved for the vice-class monitors of each class.
As for the vice-class leaders, apart from the fifth class, the other classes had undergone replacements. To this point, they represented the most outstanding recruits in each class.
Feeling somewhat less accomplished compared to others, they had to suppress their envy.
As Wang Ye and his comrades joined the formation, the oath ceremony drew to a close.
The regiment commander stepped forward, moving from behind the table to the front, where he addressed the recruits below the stage.
“Comrades, fellow privates, are you envious of your vice-class monitors today?”
After the regiment commander stepped forward, he deviated from the usual script. Instead of delivering the customary words following the awards, his opening statement stirred the emotions of those gathered below the stage.
With a smile, he gazed at the formation assembled before him.
“Our military camp may seem straightforward, but it’s also a reflection of reality.
1 understand that you all must have wished to stand on this stage today and have your parents bestow your titles upon you.
I’m aware that some of you may be silently questioning why we didn’t invite every parent here.
Let me be honest with you; it’s simply not feasible.
The reality is that our group cannot accommodate such a large number of parents at once, so we had to select the best among you.”
“But 1 can make a promise right here.
As your time as new recruits comes to an end, and you disband soon, if you continue to excel, you will have another opportunity.
No matter who you are, as long as you contribute, 1 will arrange for your parents to join us and share in your moment of glory.”
The decision to host this event today had its pros and cons.
By inviting only the parents of exceptional recruits and implementing such an award ceremony, it was inevitable that the other recruits would feel discontent.
Hence, the regiment commander aimed to level the playing field among everyone.
Yet, his approach to addressing this imbalance was not appeasement but motivation.
By offering a promise, he sought to transform their discontent into determination.
He would be delighted to witness this endeavor succeed.
If any of the recruits were to begin working diligently and striving to become better, ultimately making significant contributions, then the idea of having their parents participate would become a reality. The modest cost involved was insignificant for a regiment-level unit.
Indeed, the regiment commander was elated, his grin bordering on lopsided, simply because of the potential to inspire a few exceptional soldiers.
Undoubtedly, the regiment commander’s words had a profound impact. Within the formation, the eyes of many recruits now gleamed with newfound hope.
Their regiment commander’s words had ignited the flames of aspiration within their hearts.
Naturally, the regiment commander noticed the shift in the recruits’ emotions and couldn’t help but break into laughter.
The regiment commander believed that his promise would be a more effective motivator than the usual post-ceremony speech.
Following this, the chief of staff took the stage, although the established procedure for today’s ceremony had already been disrupted by the regiment commander’s stirring words.
Nevertheless, the protocol had to be followed, so another speaker ascended the stage.
After this committee member finished their speech, Wang Ye was once again called to the stage by Wu Jianfeng.
This time, Wang Ye stood alone, representing the recruits.
Following his speech, which adhered to the customary procedure for the presentation of new recruits, the day seemed poised to conclude.
However, today’s ceremony had a surprise in store.
“Private Wang Ye!”
As Wang Ye finished speaking, Wu Jianfeng called out again.
“Here!”
Wang Ye turned around and replied loudly.
“Old Wang, it’s time to praise our son!” In that moment, among the parents observing the ceremony, Xiaofeng Xu anxiously grasped Old Wang’s arm.
Though his arm may have been slightly sore, Old Wang paid no mind to it. He gazed at Wang Ye, nodded vigorously, and said, “Absolutely!”
“Recruit Wang Ye, you performed exceptionally well during your recruit training. Your assessment results were consistently outstanding, and you set numerous records in both the recruit company and internally.
“Now, based on the regiment organization’s decision, Recruit Wang Ye will receive the distinction of being a model soldier in training and an exceptional student soldier. Additionally, he will be awarded a third-class merit medal!”
Wu Jianfeng declared loudly.
Upon concluding his statement, a soldier standing nearby handed over a ribbon and a box containing the medal.
The regiment commander stepped forward with a smile, personally affixing the training model ribbon to Wang Ye.
In that moment, a piece of information entered Wang Ye’s mind.
Becoming a training model would reward him with two skill points upon completing the mission.
With a thought, Wang Ye realized that his skill points had now increased to five.
“Well, my heart doesn’t hurt as much now.”
At this very moment, Wang Ye muttered to himself.
Indeed, how could he not feel a tinge of heartache?
After a day and a half of arduous assessments, and after striving to secure first place in a variety of events, Wu Jianfeng had finally informed Wang Ye of something at noon today.
While his performance in the assessments was exceptional, it was only logical for such an outstanding recruit to be awarded a third-class merit.
However, Wang Ye possessed a third-class skill that allowed him to break the 400-meter obstacle course record.
It was impossible to award him two third-class merits simultaneously.
Thus, this time, he could only receive one third-class merit.
In essence, the third-class merit Wang Ye had obtained by breaking the 400-meter obstacle course record was now included in his recruit assessment results.
On the surface, it seemed like a loss…
That merit badge already belonged to him. Even if he had not participated in the recruit assessment, it would have been awarded to him.
Yet, Wang Ye had no complaints.
Fortunately, he had now acquired the training model distinction. Although it was not equivalent to a merit or commendation, but merely a memorial medal for outstanding cadets, it would enable him to complete his mission.
After having the regiment commander help him fasten the ribbon and attach the medal for the outstanding soldier, Wang Ye expressed, “1 will work diligently. 1 have high aspirations, sir!”
“Yes, indeed!” The regiment commander responded with a smile.
Then, the third-class merit medal and certificate were presented to Wang Ye by another soldier.
Once again, the certificate was in Wang Ye’s hands, and the third-class merit medal was proudly displayed on his chest with the assistance of the regiment commander.
At that moment, the corners of Old Wang’s mouth twitched slightly because his mother was extremely excited. In her excitement, she gripped Old Wang’s arm tightly.
It hurt…
However, Old Wang couldn’t have been prouder at that moment.
His son had truly achieved success..