China is marking the 69th anniversary of its victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. The War of Resistance began in 1937, when Japan launched a full-scale invasion after the July 7th Incident, also known as the Lugou Bridge Incident.

The eight-year war cost more than 35 million Chinese lives, both soldiers and civilians. A special commemoration has been held in the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other state leaders, veterans and young people attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang. During the ceremony, the 1,500 attendees all sang the national anthem played by a military band.

A 14-gun salute was also fired to symbolize the 14 years of endeavor fighting against the Japanese aggressors. After, the attendees observed a minute of silence for those who lost their lives in the war. Accompanied by the song “Dedicating Flowers”, President Xi Jinping and other state leaders presented flower baskets to the martyrs at the museum. Doves were later released to symbolize the hope for peace.