Remembering History: A Gala Celebrating the Victory Over Fascism and Promoting Peace

Gala Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of China's Victory Over Fascism

On the evening of September 4, 2025, an important event took place in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the fight against Japanese aggression and the greater global war against fascism. The gala, organized by CGTN, spotlighted a heroic fourteen-year resistance effort characterized by unwavering bravery and sacrifice.

This celebration is not just a mere acknowledgment of the past; it embodies the essence of honoring history while promoting a future of peace. The evening's program, themed “Remembering History, Honoring Heroes, Respecting Peace, and Looking to the Future,” spanned approximately 90 minutes, combining powerful song and dance performances that narrate pivotal moments of resistance.

One of the key highlights was a program titled “Immortal Liu-Lao-Chuang,” depicting the heroism displayed by 82 Chinese soldiers who sacrificed their lives to safeguard their fellow villagers during an overwhelmingly fierce Japanese assault over eight decades ago. The villagers, moved by the loss, spiritfully recruited 82 young men to join military ranks, earning their village the noble titles of “Heroic Village Liu-Lao-Chuang.” With this historical narrative, the performances rekindled memories of the enduring spirit of resistance that characterized the Chinese struggle during World War II.

Fundamentally, the gala sought to portray the tenacity of the Chinese people, reflecting their conviction that the fate of the nation lies in their hands. It celebrated elements such as national integrity, unyielding belief in victory, and persistent courage to confront adversity regardless of certainty in the outcome. The enduring essence of resistance was palpable, heralding a path of hope for future generations.

The gala also paid tribute to the evolution of China over the past 80 years and celebrated the substantial achievements the nation has attained. Young directors and screenwriters born in the 1990s played a vital role in curating segments of the evening, integrating their fresh perspectives to interpret the spirit of resistance. Their involvement serves as a testament to the continual evolution of the nation’s historical narrative.

Over half of the performers were young individuals in their twenties who displayed a profound understanding of past sacrifices and the spirit of resilience, underlining the importance of maintaining peace while drawing inspiration from historical struggles.

As modern China forges ahead on a journey toward comprehensive modernization, it is imperative for its citizens, especially the youth, to continue embodying this spirit of resistance. Their commitment to pouring every ounce of effort and ability into the revitalization of the Chinese nation is crucial.

This gala not only represents a celebration of a historical triumph but also serves as a collective reminder that preserving peace and remembering history are necessary paths to ensuring a harmonious future for all. It draws a connection between the past struggles and the ongoing quest for greater achievements, urging the new generation to uphold the spirit of tenacity that paved the way for victories.

In essence, the evening was both a reverent acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by countless heroes in the face of conflict and a fervent call to the younger generation to forge a path towards sustained progress. It reinforced the lesson that learning from history cultivates a sense of responsibility, urging all to contribute to a peaceful and prosperous future.