For 116 years, the pursuit of knowledge has never ceased; for 116 years, the torch of maritime education has been passed down through generations. On June 8, Dalian Maritime University held a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Administration Building to commemorate both the development of higher maritime education in China and the 116th anniversary of the University's founding. Party Secretary Xu Minqiang, President Shan Hongjun, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission Luo Zhongshan, and Vice Presidents Zhao Baogang and Zeng Qingcheng attended the ceremony. More than 5,000 students and faculty members, along with alumni representatives returning to their alma mater from around the world, gathered for the event.

As the majestic March of the Volunteers filled the air, the bright five-starred red flag was solemnly raised. Faculty members, students, and alumni stood in respectful silence, singing the national anthem in unison and saluting the flag. The ceremony continued with the Anthem of Dalian Maritime University, as the deep blue university flag waved in the breeze. With unwavering spirit and a strong sense of heritage, the entire DMU community came together to commemorate the 116th anniversary of both higher maritime education in China and the founding of Dalian Maritime University.

Party Secretary Xu Minqiang delivered a speech under the national flag, extending warm greetings and sincere wishes on behalf of the university to all faculty, students, and alumni around the world. He shared how alumni chapters across the globe had recently celebrated the University’s 116th anniversary in various ways, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all alumni who remain closely connected with their alma mater and have made significant contributions to national economic and social development and the progress in the maritime sector.

He emphasized that over the past 116 years, Dalian Maritime University has been a witness, participant, and leader in the development of higher maritime education in China, always closely aligned with the destiny of the nation and the maritime industry. Standing at a new historical juncture and under the strong leadership of the Party group of the Ministry of Transport, the University is steadfastly advancing toward the goal of becoming a world-class maritime university. It is contributing to the acceleration of building China into a country with strong transportation network, a strong maritime nation, and a leading country in education through the cultivation of high-quality talent and the pursuit of self-reliance in high-level science and technology.

He encouraged all faculty and students to embrace a broad vision of serving the world, foster noble moral character, and develop the capabilities required to shoulder important responsibilities. He called upon the university community to contribute the wisdom and strength of Dalian Maritime University to the great cause of building a great country and rejuvenating the country through Chinese modernization.

At the ceremony, representatives of teaching staff Lin Zhi, student counselors Li Chenxu, and students Jiang Yimin and Luo Ranan delivered tributes under the national flag. They recounted the stories of generations of DMU members who have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation, and reaffirmed the determination of the new generation to follow in the footsteps of distinguished alumni. With firm resolve, they pledged to devote their youth and passion to the development of China’s transportation, shipping, and maritime sectors.

Standing beneath the soaring national and university flags, they solemnly declared:

“Rest assured, DMU — we will bring you honor!
Rest assured, Motherland — we will rise for your rejuvenation!
Rest assured, Party — we will help build a strong nation!”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, as the host announced the end of the flag-raising event, the dedicated ocean-going training vessel Yukun and the dual-purpose intelligent research and training vessel Xin Hongzhuan, cruising in the waters of Lingshui Bay, sounded their horns in tribute—transforming their deep affection and best wishes for Dalian Maritime University into a resonant salute to their alma mater!