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.

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.