Veterans' bravery in war stands test of time, earns glowing tribute

When the vehicles carrying veterans were driven through Tian'anmen Square on Thursday morning, onlookers along Chang'an Avenue stood as one to honor the heroes.

The veterans formed the first formations in China's largest V-Day commemoration since 1949.

More than 100 of them - with an average age of 90 and the oldest at 102 - rode in open-top buses, with their uniforms decorated with medals. They represented the forces led by the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang against Japanese aggression.