President Xi presents medals to war veterans

World Today

A female soldier holds medals for an awards ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 2, 2015. China is preparing to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in 1945 and the end of World War II. (AFP photo/ Wang Zhao)

China honored veterans of World War II at a ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday. During the event, President Xi Jinping presented 30 medals to veterans, including some from India and Canada, who helped China during the War.

The veterans who received the medals include those who served in the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast China Counter-Japanese United Forces, and South China Guerrillas.

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Medals were also given to the personnel who worked in underground organizations led by the CPC during the war against Japanese invasion, those who contributed to the victory of the war, and commanders of resistance forces or their surviving dependents.

A World War II veteran decorated with medals attends an awards ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 2, 2015. China is preparing to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in 1945 and the end of World War II.   ( AFP Photo/Wang Zhao)

A World War II veteran decorated with medals attends an awards ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 2, 2015. China is preparing to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in 1945 and the end of World War II. ( AFP Photo/Wang Zhao)

Additionally, foreigners acclaimed in China for their contribution during the war also received medals.

A World War II veteran salutes after giving a speech during an awards ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 2, 2015. China is preparing to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in 1945 and the end of World War II.   (AFP photo/ Wang Zhao)

A World War II veteran salutes after giving a speech during an awards ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 2, 2015. China is preparing to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in 1945 and the end of World War II. (AFP photo/ Wang Zhao)

“No matter if you fought on the frontline or in the rear, no matter if you were a soldier or if you provided assistance, those who participated in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression are all war heroes and the heroes of the nation,” Xi said during a speech.

A paramilitary policeman stands at attention in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 2, 2015.  China is preparing to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in 1945 and the end of World War II.     (AFP photo/ Wang Zhao)

A paramilitary policeman stands at attention in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 2, 2015. China is preparing to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in 1945 and the end of World War II. (AFP photo/ Wang Zhao)

Honoring veterans is an important part of this year’s commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the Anti-Fascist War.