On July 7, 1937, Japanese soldiers incited a clash with Chinese forces at the Marco Polo Bridge south of Peiping, modern-day Beijing, which soon escalated into a battle leading to a nationwide resistance campaign against Japanese invasion. 

A memorial ceremony was held in the square outside the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing on Friday.

It has been over 80 years since the start of that conflict but its legacy is still clear. Li Zongyuan, chief curator of the Museum, said, "The ceremony today is to showcase our country, our government and our people's commitment and dedication to international security. It is important to remember the past and believe in peace." 

The incident is still vivid for many. Though the soldiers that fought in the war have passed away, their stories are handed down from generation to generation.

A young mother with her child told CGTN, “I brought him here today because it is very important for him to learn the history. It is very important for his future studies and personal growth.”

Meanwhile, a university student said that visiting the site makes her feel very patriotic: "I came here today to see where it all started. And also I came here to see the architecture, you can see that ancient wall still stands and there are marks left on the bridge from the battle. It's a learning experience to see these historical artifacts. We young people should not forget the humiliation and sacrifices our ancestors had to bear."  

The Sino-Japanese War played an important part in the wider anti-Fascist struggle of the age.

It was the main battlefield of WWII in the East. It started the earliest and lasted the longest.

This commemoration not only serves to remind people of the brutality and cruelty that took place, but also the sacrifices and contributions the brave Chinese people made to establish the Fascism-free world we live in now.