On September 3, a grand gathering was held at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech and reviewed the troops. Luo Qingming, president of HNU, also a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chen Guanming, a leading research fellow at HNU Sanya Nanfan Research Institute and deputy director of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Seed Industry Innovation, and Luo Changying, an HNU alumnus majoring in landscaping (1997 Intake) and president of Haikou Association of Family Members of Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics, were invited to witness the event.

Luo noted that General Secretary Xi’s inspirational speech, the majestic parade troops, and the sophisticated weaponry filled him with thrill and pride. In the new era, HNU will unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, keep in mind his instruction to “support HNU in building world-class disciplines”, inherit the spirit of the Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and undertake the responsibilities of the times. HNU will strive to enter the ranks of world-class universities by 2035 through vigorously advancing the “three major reforms” to establish the full credit system, collaborative innovation centers, and the residential college system. Meanwhile, HNU will carry out the “seven key tasks”, including the First-Class Undergraduate Education Initiative, the World-Class Discipline Initiative, and the Serve Hainan Initiative, to promote integrated reforms in the systems and mechanisms relating to education, sci-tech development and talent nurturing. With new achievements in these fields, HNU will spearhead the local endeavors to develop Hainan into a renowned free trade port and China into a leading country in education.

“The military parade was grand and significant, comprehensively showcasing China’s solid strength and unwavering determination. It made me deeply aware of China’s rapid development and strong cohesiveness. China’s great achievements in various fields make me feel more confident in the future”, said Chen Guanming, a senior researcher long dedicated to Nanfan breeding and tropical agriculture. He described the experience of attending the event as “extremely overwhelming”. As an agricultural scientist, he noted that this experience has inspired him considerably and he will stay committed to his research and fulfill his mission with new contributions.

“86 years ago, my grandfather Luo Jie (Luo Yuchuan) led dozens of volunteer drivers and mechanics from Nanyang (Southeast Asia) back to China to fight against Japanese invasion. Today, at this grand military parade, what I want most is to tell my grandfather and his comrades: “We’ve won!” said Luo Changying, invited to witness the parade as a representative of Hainan’s overseas Chinese community, struggled to contain his emotion. “What I gained from my alma mater was not only knowledge but also a profound sense of national responsibility and historical mission”. In his view, HNU’s motto has instilled him with firm values and clear life goals. Since graduation, Luo has devoted himself to the research on those admirable volunteer drivers and mechanics. Besides, he has delivered over 40 related lectures to numerous organizations and donated nearly 100 books to different institutions, including HNU’s Library and School of International Communication and Arts (Hainan Institute of Overseas Chinese Studies).

The massive military parade at Tiananmen Square will not only motivate the three HNUers but also the entire HNU community. HNU will thoroughly study General Secretary Xi’s important speech at the grand event, integrating the great spirit of the Resistance against Japanese Aggression with the mission of cultivating moral integrity and academic excellence in the students. HNU will prioritize patriotism in ideological and political education and contribute to the rejuvenation of Chinese nation and the building of a modern socialist country.

Translated by Huang Yuwen

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen