A few days after the parade, across the country, people are still talking about the grand spectacle and the feelings it roused in them.

"I'm the wife of a soldier who was one of the pilots in the parade. I'm proud of him for safeguarding the country for all our families," said Liu Lina, wife of a soldier in parade.

"I think it was a visual feast, and links up China's wartime memory with anti fascism efforts. It gives us courage to be strong, be ready for combat, so the humiliating chapters in Chinese history will never be repeated," said Xiao Guiliu, soldier of Meizhou, Guangdong province.

"I will continue to study hard and learn more about science and culture, and I hope to do my part for the country's future," a student said.

"It was exciting, I was watching with a smile and tears. I feel proud of the veterans who were there, and am glad they were a part of the parade," said Yang Hailing, an Australian Chinese.

"The parade lets people know that China is growing strong, and I hope our countries can have good ties in the future," a Japanese student said.

"There were 400 million Chinese, and 35 million of them died or were wounded during the war. We should cherish the peace we're enjoying now," said Fan Guang in Changxing, Zhejiang province.

"The reduction in the number of troops is a step towards world peace, which is China's position in the world community," said Feng Jinrong in Changxing.