China paid solemn tribute to its national heroes during a ceremony at Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Tuesday, marking Martyrs' Day with a flower-laying event attended by officials, youth representatives, and veterans. The annual observance honors those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's liberation and development.
Under crisp autumn skies, attendees gathered at the Monument to the People's Heroes, where floral arrangements stood in vibrant contrast to the square's historic grandeur. The ceremony comes weeks before China's National Day on October 1, creating a powerful symbolic link between past sacrifices and present-day achievements.
General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping emphasized during the event: "Their bravery lights our path forward." State media highlighted participation from Taiwan compatriots, underscoring cross-strait historical connections.
First established in 2014, Martyrs' Day coincides with the eve of the PRC's founding anniversary, serving as both remembrance and call to action for younger generations. Social media trends saw millions share stories of revolutionary ancestors using hashtags like #HeroesLiveForever.
