Martyrs' Day observed across China

BEIJING - Commemoration ceremonies were held across China on Thursday to honor fallen national heroes on Martyrs' Day.

At 9:30 am, a crowd of around 1,000 people sang the national anthem in front of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing.

Thereafter they paid a silent tribute to those who devoted their lives to the liberation of the Chinese people and the construction of the People's Republic of China, which was founded in 1949.

"As a veteran, I can better understand the dauntless spirit and loyal revolutionary belief of the martyrs. They sacrificed their lives for the happy life that we enjoy today," said Wang Wei, an official with Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications who attended the event.

"On this occasion, we can recall the spiritual heritage and historical feats left by those fallen heroes," said Dong Lixin, deputy curator of the museum, who also called on the Chinese people to make joint efforts to build a great cause that can stand the test of time.

China's top legislature approved designating Sept 30 as Martyrs' Day in 2014 to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of national independence and prosperity.