Veterans who fought in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression will appear in the military parade to be held in Beijing on Sept. 3, organizers said Friday.

The veterans, who will ride in mini buses in two formations, represent the counter-Japanese forces led by both the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Kuomintang (KMT).

The veterans' average age is 90 and they all live on the Chinese mainland, said Qu Rui, deputy director of the Office of the Parade Leading Team, at a press conference.

They served in the CPC's counter-Japanese forces, including the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast China Counter-Japanese United Forces and South China Guerrillas, according to Qu.

"Their participation fully reflects the people's admiration for the counter-Japanese veterans," said Qu.

The veterans' perseverance and sacrifices in the war deserve respect from the people, he said.

The parade will be held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World War II. It is the first military parade in China to mark an anniversary of the war.

The two formations will also include sons and daughters of fallen soldiers from the CPC and KMT, and outstanding members of forces that supported the front line. The groups have an average age of about 78 and 88, respectively.

"At such a grand event, we should not forget those who fought for the nation and paved the way for the peaceful lives we enjoy today," said senior national security expert Peng Guangqian.

Qiao Liang, a professor with the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, lauded the decision to include KMT veterans for its inclusive and open view of history.

"The parade should send a message that anyone who dedicates their lives to the nation will be remembered, and those who brave dangers to save the nation will be honored," Qiao said.

More than 300 Chinese WWII veterans, representatives from veterans' families and civilians who supported the army during the war will take part in the parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.

Japan invaded northeast China in September 1931. However, historians agree that the full-scale invasion began on July 7, 1937, when a bridge that acted as a crucial access point to Beijing was attacked by the Japanese.

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