Less than 2 days to go, excitement grows over China’s massive V-Day parade

World Today

China Military ParadeVisitors to Tiananmen Square walk past decorations set up ahead of the Sept. 3 massive military parade commemorating the end of World War II in Beijing on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

It’s now less than 48 hours from China’s V-day parade on Sept. 3rd. Across the country, what the parade stands for has struck a chord with both the young and the old.

There has been a sense of patriotism in the air. Many people who experienced the war say that they still have a vivid memory of what happened, and they hope that the younger generation can know more about it. Some younger people also said that they felt lucky and blessed to enjoy a peaceful life today.

Netizens’ rethink World War Two

Chinese netizens have been discussing the war. On China’s social media site Weibo, there are heated discussions.

Some paid attention to the veterans. During the eight years of fighting against the invaders, more than 5.6 million Chinese soldiers participated in the war. One said: “The country needs heroes, and the old soldiers should not be forgotten. They are the living history. I do admire those who held up the backbone of the country.”

Other users discussed what stance should be taken by China today. “War and revenge cannot bring us respect. Making efforts to strengthen our country should be the way for us to celebrate victory, honor the martyrs, and remember history.”

More comments across social media:

Pain cannot heal pain. Anger cannot lessen anger. And revenge and hatred cannot reverse loss of life and worse tragedies… Justice is only served when the truth is accepted and it will set us free. And only forgiveness and love can really heal.

– Raz Jerem @Facebook

Why do we humans have to engage in wars? We should honestly discuss this question.

– Arthur Heidt @Facebook

Thank you, China, for your contribution to World War Two. Some of us did not know, because we were not told.

Papa Rexy @Facebook

The country needs heroes, and the old soldiers should not be forgotten. They are the living history. I do admire those who held up the backbone of the country.

yanhuangzisun24574 @Weibo

So many nice Chinese people came forward during wartime, and made different contributions to the country. As we were born in a peaceful age, we should think hard about how to love our country in a reasonable way.

mengzhongchuanyuedezhuangzi @Weibo

War and revenge cannot bring us respect. Making efforts to strengthen our country should be the way for us to celebrate victory, honor the martyrs, and remember history.

tiedeniu @Weibo