Americans spoke highly of China's grand V-Day commemorations on Wednesday, highlighting the need to study the full history of China's contribution in the World Anti-Fascist War. A grand gathering with a military parade was held on Wednesday morning in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. In interviews with China Central Television (CCTV), U.S. residents noted that China's contribution to the war is often not well-understood in the country, emphasizing that history must be studied in order to avoid the mistakes of the past. "World War II, I hope, taught us a lot of lessons. I think Japan certainly learned lessons from it. But I was actually not aware of how many Chinese were killed during World War II until a few years ago when I went through a museum that talked about it. So from what I understand, there were more Chinese murdered by the Japanese, than the Jews by the Germans. It's extremely important. That's the only way we can be better as people and be better in our politics, is if we remember history and learn about history," said Linda, a U.S. resident. "I do know about the Japanese invasion of China as well as other countries in Asia. I think it's (the commemorative event) a great way to remember history and to honor those that have fallen. I think you have to remember history to not repeat it, and to learn from it," said Lenny, a young resident. Some said they would strongly prefer that the U.S. education system provide students with a more complete picture of historical events. "Unfortunately, I think there are people in power who are taking history away from being taught in schools and I think that's horrendous, I think. We always repeat the same mistakes over and over again," said Kathy, another U.S. resident. SHOTLIST: Beijing, China - Sept 3, 2025 1. Attendees at gathering marking 80th anniversary of victory in Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War; 2. Military band blowing trumpets; USA - Sept 3, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Linda, resident (full name not given) (partially overlaid with shots 4-5): "World War II, I hope, taught us a lot of lessons. I think Japan certainly learned lessons from it. But I was actually not aware of how many Chinese were killed during World War II until a few years ago when I went through a museum that talked about it. So from what I understand, there were more Chinese murdered by the Japanese, than the Jews by the Germans. It's extremely important. That's the only way we can be better as people and be better in our politics, is if we remember history and learn about history."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, east China - Date Unknown 4. Monument at Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders; FILE: Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, east China - 2018 5. Nanjing Massacre memorial wall; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] Beijing, China - Sept 3, 2025 6. Monument to People's Heroes; balloons being released into sky at gathering; USA - Sept 3, 2025 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Lenny, resident (full name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 8): "I do know about the Japanese invasion of China as well as other countries in Asia. I think it's (the commemorative event) a great way to remember history and to honor those that have fallen. I think you have to remember history to not repeat it, and to learn from it."; Beijing, China - Sept 3, 2025 [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 8. Military parade in progress; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 9. Gathering in progress; USA - Sept 3, 2025 10. SOUNDBITE (English) Kathy, resident (full name not given): "Unfortunately, I think there are people in power who are taking history away from being taught in schools and I think that's horrendous, I think. We always repeat the same mistakes over and over again."; Beijing, China - Sept 3, 2025 11. Gathering in progress. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]