Martyrs' Day ceremony of presenting flower baskets to fallen national heroes held in Beijing

Flowers are presented to heroes, as their spirit lives forever. A ceremony of presenting flower baskets to China's fallen national heroes was held on the morning of Sept 30 at Tian'anmen Square, Beijing, to mark the country's Martyrs' Day. Leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, joined representatives from all walks of life to attend the event.

It is the 10th Martyrs' Day since it was set in 2014. At the grand Tian'anmen Square, a bright Five-Star Red Flag flies high and conspicuously. In the center of the square, a huge display in the shape of a flower basket is placed, with words in it reading "Best wishes to the motherland", expressing the wishes for a more prosperous and stronger China. The Monument to the People's Heroes stands majestically. Eighteen wreaths composed of white chrysanthemums and other flowers on two groups of flower beds on the north side of the monument convey all Chinese people's deep memories of the fallen national heroes.

As the clock was about to strike 10, Party and state leaders including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng arrived to attend the ceremony.

The band of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) played the trumpets, blowing the Martyrs' Day Bugle.

"Guards of honor on your marks!" At the word of the command, PLA's guards of honor marched to the front of the monument with parade steps and stood still, holding their guns.

At 10 am, the ceremony commenced. The military band played the national anthem The March of the Volunteers, and all participants sang to the tune.