Flags spotlight Hebei's enduring war legacy

The iconic "Five Heroes at the Wolf-teeth Mountain Company" and "Liu Laozhuang Company", deeply rooted in Hebei province's wartime history, stirred emotions as the hero units' banner formation passed through Tian'anmen Square during China's military parade commemorating 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 on Wednesday.

These flags symbolize Hebei's enduring legacy in the war against Japanese aggression. The "Five Heroes at the Wolf-teeth Mountain Company" banner represents an army unit, where five soldiers famously chose death over surrender by leaping off a cliff in 1941 to protect civilians and comrades.

Their courage is honored daily nowadays through the unit's rituals like roll calls.

Similarly, the "Liu Laozhuang Company" banner, now carried by a Hebei-based unit, honors 82 soldiers who died in 1943 defending against overwhelming enemy forces.

Reestablished with local recruits three days after the fight, the company continues to uphold its legacy by carrying out tasks like disaster relief and peacekeeping.

The flags highlighted how the heroes inspire national pride and resilience. As the units waved flags, spectators recalled sacrifices that shaped China's path to peace and prosperity.

Sun Ke contributed to the story.