Xi leads tribute to nation's heroes on Martyrs' Day

The past decade has seen a greater emphasis from the top leadership and stronger efforts from the nation in honoring heroes and remembering their sacrifices.

Xi has, on many occasions, underscored the importance of honoring China's heroes and carrying forward their heroic spirit to provide impetus for the nation's great rejuvenation.

Only when everyone strives to be a hero can a nation give rise to heroes from one generation to the next, he said during an event in September 2019.

In 2014, the Standing Committee of the NPC, China's top legislature, approved Sept 30 — one day before National Day — as Martyrs' Day to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for national causes.

The top legislature also unanimously passed a law in April 2018 to protect the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs, which stipulates that those who appropriate, damage or deface memorials, or insult or slander heroes and martyrs, will receive administrative penalties from public security bureaus or even criminal sanctions.