Nation marks first quake anniversary

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-05-13 18:55

One year after the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province, a series of commemorative activities were held Tuesday at the epicenter, as well as in many parts of the nation to mourn the dead and comfort the survivors.

In Yingxiu Town of Wenchuan County, Southwest China's Sichuan province, a ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of Wenchuan earthquake is held.

Guards of honor placed 10 floral baskets in front of a symbolic clock showing the time of the quake. At 2:28 p.m yesterday, all those inside the commemoration venue stood in silent tribute to the victims.

Chinese President Hu attended the event and delivered a speech. He expressed condolences to the quake victims and those who sacrificed their lives during the quake rescue and relief efforts.

The president also walked to a commemorative wall and placed a white chrysanthemum.

Different activities were also held in other cities. In the northeast suburb of Beijing, contemporary Chinese artists expressed their condolences by debuting their commemorative works in 798 Art Zone.

One of the galleries exhibited 1058 photo stickers and 30 diaries of the Beichuan Middle School students who have lost their lives during the earthquake. Another art studio held a photo exhibition in memory of last year's disaster.

At 7:30 yesterday evening, China National Symphony Orchestra stroke the first note of its World Premiere "Requiem for the Earth" inside the National Center for the Performing Arts.

This requiem is especially composed in memory of the Wenchuan Earthquake, featuring the Qiang Flute solo and an absence of applause throughout the performance. At the end of last night's symphony, the audience rose up from their seats and observed one minute silence together with the orchestra, to commemorate the one year anniversary.