In the continuous days prior to the Martyrs' Day, which falls on Monday, cities across China have held vast array of affectionate commemorative events to pay tribute to national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the establishment and construction of the People's Republic of China.
In Shanghai, citizens gathered at the Longhua Martyrs' Cemetery on Thursday to lay flowers at the tombs of the martyrs.
"During the memorial ceremony, we reviewed the stories of heroes who sacrificed their lives at Longhua [Town], and I was deeply moved. I believe that the best way to honor these martyrs is to carry on their fighting spirit and strive to accomplish new feats worthy of their legacy in this new era," Guo Longyang, a resident told China Central Television (CCTV).
In Linqing City, east China's Shandong Province, over 200 comics depicting the heroic deeds of local martyrs are on display at the Memorial Hall of General Zhang Zizhong, which honors the senior officer killed during the resistance war against Japanese aggression.
"We hope to let more people know the stories of Linqing heroes and better promote the revolutionary culture of Linqing through these comic strips," said Li Zengyi, one of the artists who participated in the creation.
On Sunday, in front of the "Heroes' Pavilion" deep-lying in the mountains of the South Taihang in Xinxiang, central China's Henan Province, 55 elementary school students came to commemorate the "Eight Heroes of Taihang Mountains" who fought to death to defend a grain storage facility during the War of Liberation.
The pupils recited letters written to the martyrs, placed flowers and presented their handmade gifts in memory of the heroes.
"We live in a peaceful and happy era. We must bear in mind this history and contribute to the building of our motherland in the future," said Liu Yusu, a student of Zhongde Primary School in Hongqi District, Xinxiang City.
Surrounded by lush pine and cypress trees, the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery in Qianjiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has seen an increasing number of visitors as the annual Martyrs' Day approaches.
Filled with deep respect, local police officers presented flowers and observed a moment of silence to mourn the heroes.
"The cornerstone of the Republic has been forged by the flesh and blood of countless revolutionary martyrs. Moving forward along the path of these heroes is the most genuine way to remember them," said Dong Chundai, a police officer of Qianjiang Public Security Bureau.
People across China pay tribute to national heroes on Martyrs' Day
People across China pay tribute to national heroes on Martyrs' Day
People across China pay tribute to national heroes on Martyrs' Day
