Editor's note: More than 70 years ago, a number of young soldiers fought to defend Yanqing, a county in northwest Beijing, against Japanese invaders. China Daily and Beijing Daily recently spoke with several veterans of the war.

"I still remember the names of my instructor, captain and fellow soldiers. Whenever there are reports about the war, I miss them. The bumpy mountain roads where I fought are now highways. What magic!"

Li Defu, 88, who served as a cavalry correspondent with the regiment and is from Suzhuang village in Yanqing county.

"To become a qualified ammunition specialist, I practiced day and night even when others were resting. Only by defeating the invaders could we help people lead happy lives. Look how happy they are now!"

Cao Guozhi, 91, who served as a machine gunner and is from Caoguanying village in Yanqing.

"I joined the army right after I got married. Hearing the news of victory, the whole army was so elated that we went to a drama. Now I have five children, all born after I was discharged from army."

Dou Baolin, 94, who served as a scout and is from Yanqing.

"The day before Japan's surrender, I was in a fierce fight and got shot in the legs. The next day I heard about the news in bed and thought 'We'll never have to fight anymore'. I was thrilled."

Kang Yuxian, 87 and who served as a machine gunner. He is from Jingzhuang, Yanqing.

"In a fierce fight with the enemy, I was only about 10 meters from them. Having barely escaped their shooting, I was hit in the face by the stones blasted near me. Now with children around me, I'm really happy."

Wang Kuanzeng, 95 and who served as an infantryman. He is from Chefang village in Yanqing.

(China Daily 07/24/2015 page7)