Government officials and representatives from various sectors in Macao on Wednesday gathered across the city to watch the live broadcast of the country’s V-Day military parade, expressing excitement and patriotism.

The grand military parade was held at Beijing’s Tian'anmen Square on Wednesday morning, marking 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. A similar parade was held 10 years ago to mark the triumph’s 70th anniversary.

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A Macao Special Administrative Region delegation, led by Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai, witnessed the parade in Beijing, while it was live streamed at the gymnasiums of Macao Polytechnic University and University of Macau, respectively, attended by senior government officials, community leaders and students.

At Macao Polytechnic University, Acting Chief Executive Cheong Weng-chon noted that the military parade showcases the country’s commitment to construct a community with a shared future for humanity and its determination to safeguard national interests and world peace, as well as inspire people to work towards building a great country.

The commemoration not only serves as a remembrance of the victory, but also as a reminder to never forget the pain of war and to treasure and protect peace and stability, Cheong added.

He pointed out that Macao compatriots devoted themselves to the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and patriotic associations took the initiative to raise funds and supplies to support Chinese army.

The victory won eight decades ago highlighted the courage and national spirit of the Chinese people during a time of crisis, and solidified the foundation for China’s rise as a major world power, he noted.

Cheong encouraged youths and students to link their personal growth and the country’s development closely to contribute more to the building up of both the country and Macao.

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Nearly 60,000 people in Macao watched the live streaming of Wednesday’s parade and other commemorative activities.

On Wednesday afternoon, Macao’s Education and Youth Development Bureau will hold a youth forum at Kao Yip Middle School, where historians from Macao and the Chinese mainland will share the history of the war to deepen students’ understanding and motivate the youths to inherit the spirit of the nation.

Mok Ian-ian, deputy chairperson of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau, watched the military parade from beginning to end. She said she believed that the commemorative event is not only a remembrance of history, but also an engaging lesson that enables Macao residents, especially the youth, to understand the Chinese people's 14-year resistance against aggression, as well as the nation’s role during the World Anti-Fascist War.

The military parade has informed the public about the nation’s military, scientific and diplomatic achievements, and was an optimal demonstration of China's capacity to exert global influence, she said.

“We need to utilize the advantages of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and integrate more seamlessly into national development strategies,” Mok noted.

The Fukien Natives General Association of Macau and the People's Alliance of Macao respectively organized nearly 400 residents to watch the live streaming of the parade.

Among the viewers, Hoi Kit-leng, president of Jinjiang Youth Federation of Macao, said watching the parade made her feel deep respect for and pride in the country.

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The advanced military vehicles on display symbolized the nation’s progress and resurgence, and the parade demonstrated collective strength and a promise to honor and carry forward the legacy, Hoi said.

Twenty-four-year-old Tong Ho-laam, a member of Macao SAR Youth Affairs Committee and vice president of Youth Association of People, said the parade showcased the nation’s commitment to the world’s peaceful development, and also made her realize that as a young person from Macao, she has the responsibility to build up the country and Macao.

“Macao must fully leverage its role as a national window, creating more opportunities for every young individual,” Tong added.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com