China's National Day: Over 145,000 watch flag raising at Tian'anmen Square

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02:18

October 1st marks the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. At day break, more than 145-thousand people from across the country gathered at Tian'anmen Square. They watched the national flag, as it was raised for the special occasion. Our reporter Zheng Yibing has more.

It's 2 am in Tian'anmen Square at the heart of Beijing. Many people are already here, waiting to watch the flag-raising ceremony at dawn on China's National Day.

"I'm so happy to be this close to the national flag. It is very exciting to stay up all night to see the flag raising."

"This is my first time watching the flag raising ceremony in person. I'm very excited. As a Chinese, I think I have to see it at least once in my lifetime."

"I brought more than 100 students from my school in Nanjing to watch the ceremony here. We've been here since midnight. We are so proud of the rejuvenation of China."

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "Such ceremony is held each day here, but on important days, such as the National Day, many people would travel long distances just for that solemn moment at Tian'anmen Square."

At 6:10 am, the national flag is escorted by the People's Liberation Army Guards of Honor to Tian'anmen Square.

As the military band plays the national anthem in the background, the national flag rises, together with the sun. Over 10,000 white doves are released, as symbols of peace. On the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, many are bringing their good wishes to the country.

SPECTATOR "I wish that China will get better and better, people can live an even happier life, and college graduates can have more opportunities for good jobs."

SPECTATOR "I wish for an even happier life for the Chinese people. Elderly can get easier access to healthcare and children can have better education."

Also situated on the square is the Monument to the People's Heroes. After the flag-raising ceremony, many people also paid tribute to those who perished while fighting for the country's independence, and the freedom and well-being of the people. For them, the ceremonial event today has brought new strength and hope to work towards a better tomorrow. Zheng Yibing CGTN Beijing.