The dates of 2 and 3 September 2025 have been recorded in the pages of history, when the whole world celebrated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with great pomp. This was not just a historical memory but also a mirror of today’s changing geopolitical situation. Grand celebrations were held at many places, parades were taken out and leaders tried to give the message through speeches that we have to learn lessons from the past and make the future better.
China’s grand military display
On September 3, China organized the biggest military parade ever in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. President Xi Jinping said on this occasion – “Humanity still has the same choice, peace or conflict.”
The grandeur of the parade was so great that it was also considered a display of China’s strength. More than 10,000 soldiers participated in it. Hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft and ultra-modern tanks were showing their power on the roads and in the sky. In this 70-minute parade, China gave a clear message to the world that it has not only economic power but also military capability.
Special guests
The most special thing about this ceremony was that Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were also present. This was the first time that these two leaders appeared on stage with the Chinese President in public. This sent a message across the world that a new political alliance is being formed in Asia.
However, the presence of Western countries was very less. Only Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived from Europe. America and its close allies kept distance from this event.
China’s message
In his speech, Xi Jinping made two things clear. First, China wants to walk on the path of peace. Second, China should not be considered weak. He reminded that in the Second World War, China fought against Japan and sacrificed 35 million people.
This speech was actually also related to China’s current disputes. Amid the ongoing tension over Taiwan and the South China Sea, China tried to show that it is ready for any challenge.
Memories of America: From Pearl Harbor to Washington
While China showed strength, America refreshed memories.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
On September 2, a special program was held at the USS Missouri Memorial in Hawaii. This is the same warship on which Japan surrendered in 1945 and the war ended. The ceremony began at 9:02 am – exactly the time when the surrender was signed 80 years ago.
On this occasion, Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, was the keynote speaker. Veterans of the war also attended the program, including eight soldiers who were present on the same ship in 1945.
A new interactive exhibit “Pathway to Peace: USS Missouri’s World War II Experience” was also launched. Its purpose is to connect the coming generations with the truth of war and the importance of peace.
Washington D.C.
A big event was also organized at the National World War II Memorial in the capital of America. Here the veterans paid floral tributes at the “Freedom Wall” and remembered the more than 6 crore people who died in this war. This included not only soldiers but also common citizens.
The atmosphere here was very emotional. People were saying that the Second World War changed the world and even today its echo is felt in every society and country.
Trump’s reaction: Sarcasm on China, praise for veterans
Meanwhile, during the grand ceremony of China, former US President Donald Trump commented on social media. He wrote sarcastically that will Xi Jinping recognize America’s contribution? Along with this, he said in a sarcastic tone – “Give warm wishes to Putin and Kim Jong Un from my side, when all of you are conspiring against America.”
Trump’s statement was not just a joke but an indication of the level to which the distrust and tension between the US and China has reached.
From the past to the present: Why is it important to remember this
All these programs had the same message – World War II is not just a part of the past. Its lessons are equally relevant today.
- About 6 crore people were killed in that war.
- Europe and Asia were turned into ruins.
- Nuclear weapons were used for the first time.
Today, when the world is witnessing the Ukraine war, Taiwan dispute, and camp rivalry between the West and Russia-China, it is important to remind how terrible the outcome of conflict can be.
Conclusion: Search for peace or path of confrontation?
On the 80th anniversary of World War II, the world saw two pictures. On the one hand, China demonstrated its military power and on the other hand, America reminded of peace and sacrifice.
These events force us to think – is the world heading towards conflict again, or will we learn from history and move towards peace?
