As white doves flew across a bright sky and over a tranquil lake next to the wall, Chen Hong never felt a stronger connection with her grandmother.

Chen is the granddaughter of Zhao Yiman, the legendary heroin who fought in China's northeast and was captured and executed by Japanese occupation forces.

Chen joined more than 200 World War II veterans and their family members from 22 countries in a ceremony on Friday afternoon commemorating the "60th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War."

The ceremony featured the unveiling of a wall 60 meters long and 60 steps high in Beijing's Chaoyang Park, according to Saturday's China Daily.

The wall, officially known as the Beijing Peace Monument, was the brainchild of Chinese and American veteran groups and funded by private donations worldwide.

"Our forefathers gave their lives for peace and freedom. Our generation has the responsibility to treasure what we have today," Chen said.

Some words inscribed on the wall in Chinese, English, Russian, French and Spanish read: "Yesterday we served in the armed forces. We are survivors. Tomorrow, for our children, grandchildren, and for coming generations, we express our hope: Love life and cherish peace."

David N.Ozuna, another participant in the ceremony, was 23 years old in 1944-1945 when he flew the Hump 25 times.

He recalled the dangerous missions flying supplies to Kunming amidst thunderstorms and occasional Japanese fighter planes.

Among the large crowd, two elderly participants stood out in uniforms of the Northeast Anti-Japanese Force. Their old army flag unfurled behind them. One of them, 82-year-old Li Min, was enthusiastically greeting old comrades and their children.

"Peace does not come cheap," she said, when asked about her feeling about the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression, which caused casualties of 35 million Chinese. "We should cherish it."

Source: Xinhua