A commemorative event is held at the Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression on September 3, 2024, which marks the 79th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Photo: Lu Ting/GT

Multiple commemorative activities were held across China on Tuesday to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, to remind people of the history, honor the martyrs, and cherish the hard-won peace.

A symposium was held in Beijing to commemorate the victory against Japanese aggression and the global war against fascism on Tuesday. The attendees recalled how the Chinese people fought in the harsh war, shared their understanding of the significance of the victory, and expressed their commitment to peace and development, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

In the September 18th Historical Museum of Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, commentators shared the heroic stories of the past with the audience, aiming to inspire people to reflect on history and honor the unwavering spirit of the heroes. 

The museum will introduce this red culture to campuses and communities through lectures and interactions, such as giving themed lectures on patriotism to university students to promote education and enhance the spirit of patriotism, according to the museum.

At the Victory Square of the Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a commemorative activity started at 9 am on Tuesday with the national anthem solemnly being played, followed by representatives from all walks of life laying flowers in honor of the martyrs and paying tribute to the heroes.

The purpose of holding commemorative activities is to "promote the great spirit of resisting aggression" and deeply mourn the heroes who sacrificed their lives, as well as the compatriots who unfortunately died, Kong Xiangjun, curator of the Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, told the Global Times.

"We hope these activities will especially let the younger generation better understand history, remember history, and inspire their patriotism, so that they can cherish the hard-won peace and strive for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Kong.

"I participated in the event with a heavy heart but also with hope for the future," said a student from the Shanghai Ocean University surnamed Wu, who attended the commemorative event in Shanghai.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government also held an official ceremony on Tuesday at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression, including the playing and singing of the national anthem and flag-raising.