Ceremonial gunners of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Beijing Garrison have been practicing their cannon loading and firing operations day after day, so as to present synchronized and neat gun salutes at the upcoming V-Day military parade.

Scheduled for Sept 3 in Tian'anmen Square of downtown Beijing, the military parade marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Each artillery piece is with three saluting gunners. They all have different tasks: the third gunner takes a 3.5-kg cartridge from the rack and hand it to the second gunner. After the second gunner takes over the cartridge, he will load it into the artillery piece within just 1 second. After firing, the first gunner needs to unbolt and eject the cartridge case.

"The second gunner, who is also the chief for each artillery piece, is responsible for loading and passing cartridges while supporting the other two gunners," said Li Kun, an officer with the PLA Beijing Garrison.

To ensure synchronized and accurate movements during the whole saluting process, gunners need to practice same operations up to 1,000 times a day.

"The key to gun salute lies in accurate maneuvers, verve and courage. We require every team member to demonstrate mastery in their skills and to possess unwavering courage and boldness, even in the face of falling mountains and splitting earth," said Li Jinzhu, an officer with the PLA Beijing Garrison.

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Beijing, China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

1. Saluting gunners marching to position

2. Various of cartridge being passed on between gunners, being loaded into artillery

3. Cannons being fired

4. Gun salute training in progress

5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Li Kun, officer, PLA Beijing Garrison (starting with shot 4):

"The second gunner, who is also the chief for each artillery piece, is responsible for loading and passing cartridges while supporting the other two gunners."

6. Various of gun salute training in progress

7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Li Jinzhu, officer, PLA Beijing Garrison (starting with shot 6/ending with shot 8):

"The key to gun salute lies in accurate maneuvers, verve and courage. We require every team member to demonstrate mastery in their skills and to possess unwavering courage and boldness, even in the face of falling mountains and splitting earth."

8. Various of gun salute training in progress