The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ground force formation will demonstrate its solidarity, confidence, and imposing presence at the upcoming V-Day military parade.
Scheduled for Sept 3 in Tian'anmen Square of downtown Beijing, the military parade will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The ground force was the first armed force established and led by the Communist Party of China (CPC). The PLA was founded with the ground force, built upon the ground force, and has its roots in the ground force.
In the formation, all soldiers were selected from honored units that made tremendous contributions during the War of Resistance.
"Among the marching formations, the ground force is the one most closely tied to the War of Resistance. Through these activities, the soldiers can unite in purpose and strength, forging the entire formation into one piece of steel and march with powerful and resounding steps across Tian’anmen Square to receive the review of President Xi and the people," said He Yongxue, leader of the PLA ground force formation.
Ma Rui serves as the flag bearer of the formation in this military parade. Having previously marched three times as an alignment soldier, he now carries greater responsibility than ever.
"I feel more confident and collected. Such feeling doesn't only come from our neat formation and imposing manner, which is a small part of the reason, but also, in a bigger picture, due to the development of our military in the past decade, which I've witnessed and experienced," Ma said.
As the first formation in this parade, they aim to showcase their heritage as successors of honored units.
"If war happens, are we able to win? I think this is a question that every soldier needs to think about. Although there isn't too much of a connection between going through a military parade and fighting a war, I believe they share the same essence, which is a battle against human physical limits and willpower," said Ma.
"Many years ago, what out forefathers went through was ten thousand times tougher than what we experienced. However, they showed optimism and resilience: even after facing failures and defeats, they still managed to get back on feet and charge forward again and again," said Wu Meikang, a soldier in the formation.
PLA ground force formation to demonstrate confident, imposing presence at upcoming military parade
