President Xi Jinping on Wednesday conferred medals on 30 Chinese and foreign veterans and civilians who fought for China in World War II, ahead of the country's grand V-Day celebrations.
Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that all the national heroes, including those who fought in World War II, are the "backbone" of the Chinese nation and their deeds and spirit are the great driving force for the country, Xinhua reported.
"Any nation with hope cannot be without heroes and any country with promising prospects cannot be without pioneers," he said.
Xi said that the purpose of awarding the medals was to pay tribute to the war heroes and to show that the Chinese people will cherish peace and remember history.
The ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing. Some of the late veterans were represented by their relatives.
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