Veterans relive struggle against invaders

Veteran Wen Yunfu, 96, born in a village in Hebei province, joined the Eighth Route Army in 1945.

Life under Japanese oppression was unbearable, he said. He was assigned to an arsenal in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, primarily tasked with manufacturing landmines, grenades and repairing weapons.

Japanese invaders arrived in his area in 1937. "They went into every village, burning, killing and looting," Wen recalled, describing the implementation of the "Three Alls" policy: "Burn All, Kill All, Loot All".

With no alternative, civilians fled. "One day, we ran several kilometers away and saw smoke rising from our village. After the Japanese invaders left, we returned to find our houses burned down," he said.

The Japanese soldiers killed many people in neighboring villages, throwing civilians' bodies into wells. The people were truly enslaved, he said.

Speaking of the suffering, he choked up before urging unity, "Come, come, we must unite as one, resist unto death, and overthrow Japanese imperialism." Recalling Japan's surrender, Wen said, "Everyone was, of course, beyond happy."

Shaping families

The veterans' experiences profoundly shaped their families' lives and values.

Cui Gong's wife, Shen Yuying, said their children's names embody patriotic hopes. Her first son Cui Jianping (establish peace), was followed by Jianzhong, Jianhua — combining to form "Zhonghua" (China). "Their names entrust our hopes for the nation's prosperity. Our thriving country and improving lives fill us with pride," Shen said.

Li Qing's daughter, Li Lianping, 55, described her father's enduring military discipline, where he would rise at 5:30 am and be in bed by 8:30 pm daily. During the day he'd tend his garden.

Though his mobility and memory have declined at 98, his routine persists, Li Lianping said. His main pastime remains watching news and weather reports. "They were pure revolutionaries, sacrificing themselves for the public good. This spirit, ingrained in them, subtly influences us," she said, expressing regret at not fully recording his fading war stories. She emphasized learning from veterans' unwavering faith, selfless dedication, hard work and sustained military conduct.

"Young people born in the new era have their own duties and missions. But loving the motherland and striving for its development and strength are essential qualities for every Chinese citizen," she said.

Wen Yunfu's son, Wen Taisheng, a retired railway worker, said his father enjoys the simple thing in life. He gets up early to go shopping, enjoys food and coffee, takes a nap after lunch, and has a little drink before bed.

His father rarely speaks about his wartime experiences due to the painful memories — his home burned, his uncle martyred, and he'd received chemical burns, Wen Taisheng said. Recounting them causes great distress, agitation and tears, he added.

As a father, Wen Yunfu was a strict disciplinarian, enforcing "100 percent positive" education to guard against societal ills, deeply influencing his children through his own conduct such as not smoking, Wen Taisheng said.

Peace and remembrance

Despite enduring depths of suffering, the veterans share resolute hopes for China's future rooted in remembrance and peace.

Contrasting past hardships, Wen Yunfu said: "Life is much better now. No lack of food or clothing. This is a strong country." Marking the 80th anniversary of both the victory and his own CPC membership, he credited the Party: "Under its leadership, lives gradually improved. Today's happiness was unimaginable in my childhood. May our motherland prosper, and everyone live happily."

On the anniversary, Cui Gong expressed pride, "China is strong now, thriving and prosperous. May our motherland enjoy eternal peace and prosperity."

Yang Ronghua highlighted the anniversary's significance, saying "We should be grateful for all Chinese people's efforts and international allies' assistance. Study the war's history, understand past oppression, remember our history, and commemorate the sacrifices."