Beijing solemnly commemorates Martyrs’ Memorial Day
On the morning of September 30, a solemn Martyrs’ Memorial Day flower basket ceremony unfolded at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. State and party leaders, including President Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang, joined representatives from across society to honor the heroes who sacrificed for the nation’s founding and development. The ceremony emphasized remembering the martyrs’ contributions while reinforcing a collective resolve to pursue modern, national rejuvenation under the Party’s leadership.
Leaders and participants gather at Tiananmen Square
Leading figures from the central authorities—Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng—arrived at the square to take part in the commemorative ritual. They were accompanied by members of various democratic parties, national organizations, veterans, martyrs’ families, and representatives from youth and civil society, forming a broad cross-section of China’s political and social spectrum.
Music, protocol, and the moment of homage
The ceremony began with the trumpeters of the PLA Military Band sounding the solemn “Martyrs’ Memorial Day Horn.” At exactly 10:00 a.m., the air filled with the stirring strains of the national anthem, and attendees stood in quiet homage to the heroes who fought for liberation and the country’s construction. The solemn atmosphere underscored the gravity of the occasion and the enduring respect for those who sacrificed their lives for the Chinese people.
Nine large flower baskets and the act of tribute
In a carefully choreographed arrangement, nine large flower baskets, borne on the shoulders of eighteen ceremonial guards, were lined up before the People’s Heroes Monument. A banner across the baskets proclaimed the enduring motto: “People’s Heroes Immortal.” The bouquets—featuring red chrysanthemums, lilies, and orchids—were placed at the monument’s base as a visible symbol of reverence and national gratitude.
Leaders’ presence at the memorial peak
After the baskets were positioned, Xi Jinping and the other leaders ascended to the monument’s base to pause and reflect. They arranged the baskets with care and then performed a quiet vigil, looking up at the monument that towers over Tiananmen Square. The gesture connected the present generation with the legacy of those who gave their lives in service to the nation and reminded participants of the responsibilities that accompany leadership in times of national challenge.
Historical significance and contemporary meaning
This year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the broader World Anti-Fascist War. The ceremony underscored how the anti-imperialist struggle and subsequent nation-building laid the groundwork for today’s pursuit of Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation. Delegates, veterans, and young people alike were called to remember the sacrifices of the past and to translate that legacy into vigorous, united effort for future development under the Party’s guidance.
Participation across generations and groups
Children, students, and representatives from various walks of life joined the ceremony, presenting fresh bouquets and paying respects to the memorial. The event highlighted a shared national spirit—honoring the martyrs while affirming the continuity of the Communist mission through successive generations. Organizer-hosted by Yin Li, a member of the Central Politburo and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee, the ceremony showcased broad participation from central and local authorities to ordinary citizens in the capital.
Concluding reflections
As the crowd dispersed, the memory of the martyrs remained a living call to action: strengthen unity, uphold the heroic traditions, and drive forward the country’s modernization with confidence and resolve. The Martyrs’ Memorial Day flower basket ceremony at Tiananmen Square thus served not only as a solemn tribute but also as a reaffirmation of the path toward national prosperity and the enduring commitment to the people’s heroes.
