Leaders pay tribute to fallen heroes on Martyrs' Day

President Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Communist Party of China and the State attended a ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing on Tuesday to present flower baskets to honor fallen heroes.

The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, one day ahead of the National Day in China. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Tuesday was the 12th Martyrs' Day. In 2014, China's top legislature approved Sept 30 as Martyrs' Day to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the development of the country.

At around 10 am, Xi and other leaders — Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng — arrived at the square. They were joined by representatives from all walks of life.

Among the attendees carrying flowers were veterans, relatives of martyrs, recipients of national medals and honorary titles, role models, students and children.

As the ceremony started, all attendees sang the national anthem, and then paid a silent tribute to the fallen heroes.

Nine large flower baskets, with ribbons that read "Eternal Glory to the People's Heroes", were placed in a line. As the military band played Flower Presenting Melody, 18 guards of honor steadily lifted the baskets, walked slowly to the Monument to the People's Heroes and laid them on the pedestal.

Xi and other leaders approached the foot of the monument, where Xi took a few steps forward and straightened the ribbons on the baskets. They then walked around the monument to pay their respects.

People at the ceremony said they were inspired by the solemn moment and would carry forward the spirit of the martyrs and draw strength from it.

Chen Shuyan, a fourth-grade student from Cuiwei Primary School in Beijing's Haidian district, who presented a flower at the ceremony, said, "Standing in front of the monument, I felt my heart fill with respect."

Expressing her gratitude for the sacrifices of national heroes, Chen said she feels more determined to cherish today's peace and prosperity.

jihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn