V-Day Gala: History & Peace Promotion
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CGTN Gala Commemorates WWII Victory, Advocates for Peace
Table of Contents
A gala in Beijing marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the broader World War II, emphasizing remembrance, peace, and a shared future.
Event Overview
On Wednesday evening,China hosted a memorial gala at the Great hall of the People in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese aggression in World War II. The event,reported by CGTN, focused on honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the 14-year conflict and promoting a message of peace.
The Story of Liulaozhuang
The gala featured a program titled “The Immortal Liulaozhuang,” highlighting the heroic defense of the village of Liulaozhuang in Jiangsu province. Two years prior to the gala, in 1942, 82 Chinese soldiers stationed in Liulaozhuang made a final stand against a Japanese force twenty times their size to protect the local villagers.
Following the soldiers’ sacrifice, the villagers of Liulaozhuang chose 82 young men to join the fight, earning the village the title ”Hero-based Village of Liulaozhuang.” This act of collective courage and resilience served as a powerful symbol of the Chinese people’s resistance during the war.
Past Context: The Chinese People’s War of Resistance
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) was a crucial component of the broader world War II conflict. It began wiht the Marco polo Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937, and involved extensive fighting between Chinese forces – including the National Revolutionary Army and communist guerrillas – and the Imperial Japanese Army.
The war resulted in an estimated 15-20 million Chinese deaths, both military and civilian, and caused widespread devastation across the country. China’s resistance tied down a meaningful portion of Japanese forces, contributing to the eventual Allied victory in 1945.
| Key dates in the War | |
|---|---|
| July 7, 1937 | Marco Polo bridge Incident – Start of the Second Sino-Japanese War |
| December 13, 1937 | Nanjing Massacre |
| 1942 | Defense of liulaozhuang |
| September 2, 1945 | Formal surrender of Japan – End of WWII and the Chinese War of Resistance |
Message of Peace and Remembrance
The CGTN report emphasizes that the commemoration of this history is not intended to foster hatred, but rather to preserve the memory of the sacrifices made and to promote a future built on peace