Xi leads Martyr's Day ceremony

Xi pays tribute to national heroes in Beijing

Solemn tribute to those who sacrificed themselves 'will long live in memory'

President Xi Jinping led a tribute to national heroes on Thursday morning as the nation honored those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the nation's development.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other leaders of the Party and State saluted fallen heroes during the Martyrs' Day event held at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tian'anmen Square on Thursday.

The commemoration took place one day before National Day and came just several months after the CPC celebrated its 100th anniversary on July 1.

The ceremony began at 10 am with all participants singing the national anthem. This was followed by a silent tribute to all of China's fallen heroes.

Nine flower baskets－presented in the name of the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council and other organizations and groups－stood before the crowd.

After honor guards laid the baskets in front of the monument, Xi straightened the red ribbons on the baskets and led the senior officials in a walk around the monument in honor of those who gave their lives.