Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (Photo:www.scio.gov.cn)
A gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War will be held on September 3, and China will hold a military parade to mark this important anniversary. This year's parade will not include a formation of surviving veterans who fought in the war. Instead, war veterans, retired military personnel, former militia members, model supporters from local communities and family members of fallen resistance heroes will be invited to attend the event at Tiananmen Square as honored guests. In addition, Kuomintang veterans who fought in the war will also be invited to attend the ceremony, according to the State Council Information Office.
Veterans of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression are the heroes of our nation, the backbone of our people, and living witnesses to victory. Over 80 years ago, in a time of national peril, these veterans stepped forward with courage and conviction, fighting for their nation, their homeland and their dignity, Wu Zeke from the Central Military Commission, told at a press conference on Tuesday.
They defended China's territory with fearless resolve, displaying extraordinary bravery, unwavering resistance to foreign aggression, and a noble spirit of sacrifice — qualities that deserve our eternal respect and admiration, Wu said.
In 2015, during the military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance, a formation of over 300 resistance veterans led the procession as the first phalanx, joined by civilian support heroes and descendants of fallen martyrs, as well as veterans from the Kuomintang army who fought against Japanese aggression, Wu said. Their appearance at Tiananmen Square produced many deeply moving moments, touching the hearts of people across China and around the world. That tribute was a profound expression of respect for our national heroes and embodied the spirit of a united national resistance, he noted.
Ten years have passed since then. Today, most of the surviving veterans are near or over 100 years old. These individuals are not only witnesses of history, but irreplaceable treasures of the Chinese nation. In this year's parade, taking into account their advanced age and health, we will no longer organize a marching formation of resistance veterans. Instead, we have arranged for veteran soldiers, militia members, civilian support models, and family representatives of fallen heroes to attend the ceremony at the Tiananmen Square, in a heartfelt gesture of honor to these heroes, according to the press conference.
As we all know, China's resistance against Japanese aggression was a war fought by the entire nation. The Kuomintang forces played a vital role. Therefore, we will once again invite Kuomintang resistance veterans to attend the parade, paying tribute to the shared sacrifices made by all Chinese in the fight for national liberation, Wu said.
Global Times
