BEIJING: Chinese people from all walks of life felt a mix of pride, solemnity, responsibility and historical reverence as they watched the grand military parade held on Wednesday in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The event, which was broadcast live across multiple platforms nationwide, had people riveted to their mobile phones and television sets, as well as LED screens in public places. They said the parade prompted them to reflect on China’s national progress and reaffirmed their personal commitment to contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Gao Jie, a senior hepatobiliary surgeon at Peking University People’s Hospital, said he was overwhelmed with respect as he watched the event.
“Eighty years ago, our predecessors defended the dignity of the nation with their lives. Today, as medical workers, we inherit not only the skills to heal but also the belief of putting the lives of others first,” he said.
Gao, who boasts 30 years of experience, has performed more than 500 liver transplant surgeries with zero mortality. Inspired by the spirit of dedication of wartime heroes, he emphasized the dual responsibility of showing empathy and achieving technical excellence. “As a Party member, I know deeply that personal growth is intertwined with growth of the nation, so I returned to China after finishing my postdoctoral studies in the United States to promote my country’s liver transplant research,” he said.
Helping China achieve breakthroughs in medical research and technology is the best way to remember and honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives more than 80 years ago, Gao added.
Kang Shaozhong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at China Agricultural University, who was at Tian’anmen Square to watch the parade, said he felt immensely proud as domestically developed advanced military assets — from fighter jets to intercontinental missiles — were displayed in formation.
“China has come a long way — from witnessing the sacrifices made by its 35 million military personnel and civilians during the war to becoming the world’s second-largest economy, and from relying on imported equipment to achieving 100 percent domestic production. This progress did not happen easily,” he said.
As an agricultural scientist and educator, Kang said he feels a strong sense of responsibility to develop key technologies, promote innovation and train talent to support China’s agricultural development and national rejuvenation.–The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
