BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Several hundred former generals, famous military artists, and soldiers gathered at the foot of the Great Wall Saturday to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), which falls on August 1.

    At the ceremony organized by the China Great Wall Society (CGWS), veterans recited a poem telling their love and wishes for the country and the people.

    Lieutenant General Shao Huaze, vice chairman of the CGWS, said the peom was written based on the wishes collected from the veterans.

    The CGWS also held an exhibition of more than 500 calligraphy and painting works by former generals.