War veterans, scholars, citizens, and international guests reflected on China's hard-won path from resistance and sacrifice to national rejuvenation, celebrating shared memories of triumph and expressing hopes for peace, unity, and a better future, at a grand gathering on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
China concluded its V-Day commemorations on Wednesday, with 80,000 doves and 80,000 balloons released into the sky over Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing.
President Xi Jinping waved to spectators as the patriotic song "Ode to the Motherland" resonated.
A massive military parade was staged in Tian'anmen Square as part of the commemorations.
Among the attendees were war veterans, scholars, students, and international guests, many of whom shared reflections on the significance of the day.
Attendees remarked that the journey from suffering to triumph, from decline to national rejuvenation, was hard-won. This memory belongs not only to China but to the world. Looking back, they said, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the nation has achieved a historic leap, from standing up, to becoming prosperous, to growing stronger.
"So many good comrades died during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression before we finally achieved victory. We must remember history, cherish peace, and strive to build a better future, just as President Xi said," said Zhang Yeping, a war veteran.
"My uncle was one of the Flying Tigers pilots 1941 in Kunming. He sacrificed his life working with the Chinese people flying against Japanese aggression. I'm very happy to be here. It' s just wonderful to celebrate at the 80th anniversary," said John Newkirk, descendant of a U.S. Flying Tigers pilot.
"As General Secretary Xi said, the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable and humanity's cause of peace will prevail," said Lin Mao, president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.
"The Party has led us from standing up to becoming rich and strong. We are fortunate to be living in such a promising era. I believe we should continue contributing to the rejuvenation and strength of our nation," said Ding Lieming, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
"As a member of an ethnic minority, I will follow President Xi's guidance and help strengthen the sense of community among the Chinese nation. All 56 ethnic groups should unite as closely as pomegranate seeds - bound tightly together," said Drolma Tsering, representative of China's ethnic minorities in the grand gathering.
"By using our multilingual skills to promote an accurate view of World War II history, we are also responding to President Xi's call to serve wherever our country and people need us most," said Chen Shiyi, a volunteer from Beijing International Studies University.
"Despite the harsh conditions and immense difficulties, our soldiers were never afraid to endure hardship or make sacrifices. I have never forgotten their fighting spirit, and I hope it will be passed on. The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation depends on all of us following the leadership of the Party," said Lin Zhen, a war veteran from Hong Kong.
"China has consistently followed a steady path and called for peace on the global stage. I also hope the international community can work together to build a better future," said Feng Yuanzheng, a CPPCC member.
"Today's commemoration marks a new starting point for us in the scientific and technological community. We must carry the spirit of the War of Resistance into our work on the front lines of sci-tech innovation, and contribute to the realization of a stronger nation and a stronger military," said Wu Jinping, an associate professor at Tsinghua University.
"I would like to say to the Party: rest assured, we are ready to serve and help build a stronger nation. Living in such a prosperous era, we must dedicate ourselves to learning and using our own hands to create a better future for our country," said Wei Yicheng, a volunteer from Beihang University.
"We will remember history, honor the fallen, cherish peace, and help build a better future. The mission of strengthening the nation is ours to carry," said volunteers from Beijing Normal University.
V-Day event attendees hail China's historic journey from war to renewal
