Martyrs' children urged to work hard, serve the people

President Xi Jinping has encouraged the children of martyrs to follow the examples of their heroic parents' generation and dedicate themselves to serving as loyal guardians of the Party and the people.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Thursday in a letter replying to eight such children who are currently studying at the People's Public Security University of China.

The letter came ahead of China's Martyrs' Day, which falls on Sept 30 and commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of national independence and prosperity.

In the letter, issued ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, Xi expressed his hopes for the students and extended his greetings to the families of martyrs from the public security system.

Safeguarding national security and social stability as well as the people's happiness and tranquillity is the sacred duty of the people's police, he said.

He encouraged the students to follow the examples of their parents' generation, maintain firm ideals and convictions, work hard in their studies and training, hone their skills, and dedicate themselves to serving as loyal guardians of the Party and the people.

Xi also inspired them to make unremitting efforts to build a peaceful China at a higher level, and actively contribute to building a strong country and national rejuvenation.

Since the founding of New China, more than 17,000 police officers have died while performing their duty, with more than 3,700 of them being honored as martyrs.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi has met with representatives of heroes and role models from the public security system on multiple occasions, and called for measures to carry forward the spirit of heroes and role models and take good care of martyrs' families.