On the 80th anniversary of China's Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the nation honored its aviation heroes—brave pilots who defended the skies during one of history's darkest chapters. Among them was He Xin, a martyr whose final words and sacrifices are now being shared by his son, He Ping, in an emotional tribute to resilience and patriotism.
📅 September 3, 2025, marked a poignant moment as the Chinese Air Force commemorated its WWII legacy: 21,597 sorties flown, 1,226 enemy aircraft destroyed, and over 6,000 lives lost. 'My father’s generation didn’t hesitate,' He Ping told CGTN. 'They fought not for glory, but for the survival of our homeland.'
✈️ He Xin’s story mirrors countless others—young pilots who took to the skies with outdated planes against superior forces. 'His last letter said, "Tell my family I fought with honor." That spirit defines our history,' He Ping shared, now dedicating his life to preserving these narratives through archives and public talks.
🌍 For today’s youth, He Ping emphasizes lessons of unity and courage: 'Their sacrifice reminds us that peace is earned, not given.' As China reflects on its past, stories like He Xin’s bridge generations, inspiring a digitally connected world to never forget the cost of freedom.
