Xi leads tribute to nation's heroes on Martyrs' Day
President Xi Jinping led a solemn tribute to the nation's heroes on Friday morning in Beijing as China marked its Martyrs' Day, honoring heroes who dedicated their lives to 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, honored the nation's fallen heroes at the event held at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tian'anmen Square.
The ceremony began at 10 am with all participants singing the national anthem, followed by a silent tribute to all of China's fallen heroes and a chorus of the Song of Chinese Young Pioneers by students.
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.
They were joined later by representatives from various sectors of society.