When the vehicles carrying veterans were driven through Tian'anmen Square on Thursday morning, onlookers along Chang'an Avenue stood as one to honor the heroes.

The veterans formed the first formations in China's largest V-Day commemoration since 1949.

More than 100 of them - with an average age of 90 and the oldest at 102 - rode in open-top buses, with their uniforms decorated with medals. They represented the forces led by the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang against Japanese aggression.

It was the first time the veterans had attended such a grand parade.

Fu Longqian, a 92-year-old former KMT soldier, was among those at the ceremony.

"The country didn't forget us - it's a very courteous reception," said the former artilleryman who braved gunfire in significant battles, including the key Battle of Changsha in Hunan province between the KMT army and Japanese invaders.

Qu Rui, deputy director of the Office of the Parade Leading Team, said the veterans all live on the Chinese mainland.

Peng Guangqian, deputy secretary-general of the Council for National Security Policy Studies, said people should not forget those who fought for the nation and paved the way for the peace it enjoys today.

"The invitation for veterans to attend such a military parade is an opportunity to pay tribute to them and it can also inspire younger generations to forge ahead," Peng said.

Apart from the veterans, the two formations in vehicles included sons and daughters of fallen soldiers from the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang and outstanding members of forces that supported the front line.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

zhaoyinan@chinadaily.com.cn