From online to watching on site

Ten years ago, I was a student in the United States. On Sept 3, 2015, I sat in front of my laptop watching the military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. I was struck by the solemn formations, the rhythm of marching soldiers and the immense pride radiating from Tian'anmen Square. At that time, it felt like a distant world — something I could admire but never be part of.

Ten years later, that dream became reality. I am no longer a student watching from afar, but a journalist at China Daily, entrusted with the privilege of reporting such a historic moment. When I learned my application to attend this year's parade had been accepted, I could hardly believe it. My heart swelled with excitement and a deep sense of honor. This year's commemoration carries even greater weight, with 26 foreign heads of state and government attending — a reminder that this is not just China's remembrance, but a solemn global occasion.

The day began in the stillness of night. At 2 am, I met my colleagues, their faces lit with the same anticipation I felt inside. We traveled toward Tian'anmen Square, the city quiet and subdued, as if holding its breath in expectation.

As dawn broke and guests took their seats, music filled the square. The military chorus sang revolutionary anthems and wartime songs, their voices carrying a weight words cannot capture. The melodies echoed through the air, stirring something deep within me. I found myself singing along, swept up in the spirit of sacrifice embedded in those songs.

Then came the moment I will never forget: President Xi Jinping stepped onto the Tian'anmen Rostrum, flanked by Kim Jong-un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sight of these leaders together sent a wave of emotion through me. In that instant, the gravity of history converged — the shared sacrifices of nations, the resilience of people who endured war and the unity forged in pursuit of peace. Their presence showed that while this parade was held in China, its message reached far beyond national borders. The victory 80 years ago was not only China's triumph, but part of a larger global struggle against fascism — a victory for all humanity.

Then came the raising of the national flag. As the bright five-starred red flag unfurled against the morning sky and the anthem began, I joined thousands of voices in song. My chest tightened with emotion — the moment was both deeply personal and profoundly collective. For an American who has lived in China for a decade, it felt like I was not only observing history, but becoming part of it.

President Xi's speech followed, his words resonating across the square. The Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development and join hands with the rest of the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he said. Listening, I felt the weight of history press on my heart — not as a burden, but as a responsibility.

And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the soldiers marched. Their discipline and determination radiated a message that was unmistakable — China today is strong, unified and committed to peace.

As the newest and most advanced armaments rolled past, gleaming under the sun, I sensed not aggression, but reassurance: that China stands as a staunch defender of world peace, determined never to let the tragedies of the past be repeated.

As the parade drew to a close, I stood quietly, absorbing the weight of it all. Ten years ago, I could only imagine this moment. Now, I had lived it. From a student watching online to a journalist on the frontline, the journey was more than personal — it symbolized how life carries us forward in ways we never expect.