On the morning of September 3rd, 2025, the grand gathering commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech and reviewed the parading troops. HNUST organized veteran student representatives, the military training regiment, members of the national flag guard, as well as staff from the Security Department and the Communist Youth League Committee, to watch the event collectively at the 5th-floor lecture hall of Lide Building. Other faculty and students watched the live broadcast independently on television and mobile apps. President Xi Jinping's important speech and the spectacular scenes of the military parade generated enthusiastic responses among the university community.

Professor Wan Buyan from HNUST, a National Distinguished Engineer, a "Role Model of the Times," and Director of the Ocean Laboratory, was invited to attend the ceremony as a spectator at Tiananmen Square. He excitedly stated, "The military parade was extremely stupendous and inspiring, vividly showcasing the continuous growth of our country's comprehensive strength. The prosperity and strength of the nation provide the most solid backing for scientific research and talent cultivation. My original aspiration has always been to serve the country through science and technology and strive for the prosperity of China's maritime cause!"

Zhang Yaomin, centenarian veteran of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, watched the parade at home with his family. He emotionally recalled, "Watching the parade brought me back to the days when I fought side by side with my comrades at the age of 13. Without the Communist Party of China, there would be no New China. Seeing our country growing stronger and our military equipped with such advanced weapons, I feel extremely relieved and proud."

Ma Zhengkai, another veteran of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression who was receiving treatment in the hospital, requested special leave to return home home and watch the parade. He said, "This military parade showcases the greatness of our motherland and the greatness of the Communist Party of China. Back then, we fought with the belief of dedicating everything to the country and the people. The happy life we enjoy today has not come easily and must be cherished."

Wang Xiaoyan, a reserve military instructor, commented, "As the Five-Star Red Flag rose slowly over the Tiananmen Square and the parading contingents marched forward with firm and sonorous steps, I was filled with excitement. This is not only a display of national prestige and military strength but also a profound lesion in patriotism. I will further strengthen my sense of mission, improve my military skills, excel in military training, and stand ready to contribute to the university and the cause of national defense education."

Liu Han, a member of the national flag team, expressed, "As a member of the national flag team, I have a deeper understanding of the responsibility and mission of safeguarding the national flag and defending the dignity of the nation. I will take the parading officers and soldiers as role models, temper my will, cultivate fine work habits, and set high standards for myself in future training to pursue excellence."

Su Yinyin, a 2023 undergraduate majoring in Journalism at the School of Humanities, said, " I was struck by the neat formation of the contingents and the sophisticated equipment in the parade, but what touched me even more was the sense of responsibility in the soldiers' eyes. Our generation should take over the baton of serving the motherland. The growth of college students lies not only in professional learning but also in adhering to discipline and having the courage to shoulder on responsibilities like soldiers, integrating personal ideals with the needs of the country."

(Translated by ZHAI Shan and SU Xinyi)