Honoring China's Martyrs: National ceremony held to mark 5th Martyrs' Day

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02:16

Today is China's fifth Martyrs' Day. This morning in the capital city Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders paid tribute and laid floral baskets at the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tian'anmen Square. The ceremony was also attended by people from all walks of life, including school children singing patriotic songs.

A national ceremony to pay tribute to the country's heroes.

At 10 a.m., participants sang the national anthem, and then bowed their heads in silent tribute to those who devoted their lives to the establishment and development of the People's Republic of China, which was founded on Oct. 1, 1949.

A patriotic song by school children sings "we'll inherit the glorious traditions of our revolutionary ancestors". The red scarves they're wearing are a symbol of the martyrs' blood. Guards laid nine sets of flowers in front of the Monument to the People's Heroes in the center of Tian'anmen Square. Its foundation was laid on September 30th, 1949, the eve of the National Day.

President Xi straightened red ribbons on the baskets and led a group of senior officials in a walk around the monument to pay tribute. Children and other attendees followed and laid bouquets of flowers.

China has about 20 million martyrs, who "lost their lives for national independence and prosperity, as well as the welfare of the people in modern times". Many became martyrs during wars.

WU GUOXIU TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE "With Martyrs' Day being observed since 2014, and a law going into effect earlier this year in May to protect the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs, the Chinese people are now better taught to remember the fallen and embrace their spirit. Wu Guoxiu, CGTN, Beijing."