Chinese President Hu Jintao delivered a speech at a meeting in Beijing on Saturday marking the 60th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War.

 

 

President Hu said that by holding the grand gathering to remember the war victory 60 years ago, China means to cherish peace and create a better future for the mankind.

"By solemnly commemorating that victory, we will keep history in mind, never forget the past, cherish peace and create a better future," Hu said.

 

"The great victory won 60 years ago determined the future of the world and has been and will forever be engraved in the minds of all people who love peace and justice," he said.

 

To refresh the memory should spur us forward to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, so as to further promote the noble cause of peace and development of the human race, said President Hu.

 

President Hu Jintao also conferred medals of honor on 10 representatives of veterans and patriotic personages in the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

 

The medals are awarded to more than 700,000 veterans, patriotic personages, generals and international friends of China to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the war.

 

The gilded medals, made of pure silver, measures 2 millimeters thick and 60 millimeters in diameter. The design of the medal, which consists of six swords, the figure 60, five stars, the pagoda in Yan'an, doves and olive branches, represents armed struggle, the 60th anniversary of the victory, unity among the people, the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and the joint efforts of the army and people to win the war.

 

Full-text: Chinese president's speech on war victory commemoration

 

 

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2005)