July 7 is a day that the Chinese people will never forget. Eighty two years ago on this day, Japan launched a full-scale invasion that cost millions of Chinese lives.

Officials, students and soldiers took part in a ceremony held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to mark the occasion. Chu Wei, a 90-year-old war veteran, was among the participants.

Chu served as a medic at the 1st division of the New Fourth Army during the war. He has seen enough brutality and devastation to know that peace doesn't come easy.

The "July 7th Incident" or "Lugou Bridge Incident" marks the beginning of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

"During the 14 years of the War Against Japanese Aggression, there were casualties of over 30 million Chinese people, a figure we should never forget. We should cherish the current peaceful life more. We hope that young people can make better contributions to our motherland," said the war veteran.

Chu’s view is shared by many young students. 

Students who came to perform in honor of the martyrs at the memorial told CGTN that they feel very privileged to be born in a peaceful time.

"This couldn't have happened without our predecessors' great efforts. I will study hard and contribute as much as I can to the country," said Zhao Linyue, a sophomore at North China University of Technology.

Being here to witness history is quite different from reading about it from a textbook. The museum said the event aims to help people learn from history, and is also expected to help pass down the spirit of resistance against aggression to younger generations.

Participants in the event agreed that holding such ceremonies was vital to remind people about their past and the long journey made to get where things are today. Without the sacrifices made by Chinese soldiers, the nation may never have achieved the peace, prosperity and security that it enjoys today.