COMMENMORATIONS for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti?Fascist War began in Beijing at 9 a.m. yesterday. As the world’s eyes turned once more to Tian’anmen Square, it witnessed a grand, meticulously organized military parade. Precisely aligned formations, advanced weaponry and booming slogans presented a picture of a modern China that is strong, confident and disciplined. To the West this chapter of World War II may appear as a distant “eastern battlefield.” For the Chinese people, however, it is an epic written in blood and tears and the starting point of the modern story of national rejuvenation. The victory was not only a military triumph but also a spiritual rebirth that helped shape China’s national identity, collective character and contemporary worldview. Here are snaps of highlights from the parade, along with a wish for lasting peace around the world. (SD News) | 