Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other senior leaders, participated in a ceremony held at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday to pay tribute to national heroes on Martyrs’ Day. This annual observance, taking place on September 30, honors those who lost their lives in the pursuit of China’s national independence, development, and prosperity.
The ceremony, occurring a day before China’s National Day, saw Xi and other leaders observing a moment of silence following the playing of the national anthem. As part of the tribute, nine large flower baskets were placed at the Monument to the People’s Heroes, symbolizing respect for those who made significant sacrifices for the nation.
Since its formal establishment in 2014, Martyrs’ Day has been marked by President Xi’s attendance at the ceremony each year. This year’s event included representatives from various sectors of Chinese society, reflecting a shared national appreciation for the contributions of these martyrs.
The observance coincides with significant anniversaries in China’s history, namely the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 90th anniversary of the conclusion of the Long March, a pivotal event in Chinese history that occurred from 1934 to 1936.