Party, State leaders pay tribute to people's heroes

An overnight autumn rainfall in Beijing added a solemn touch to the grand annual ceremony that was held on Monday at Tian'anmen Square to mark the nation's 11th Martyrs' Day.

The ceremony fell on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other Party and State leaders attended the ceremony to present flower baskets to honor the people's heroes.

The top leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, were joined by representatives from all walks of life at the ceremony.

In the center of the square, a giant flower basket with the words "best wishes for the motherland" represented the Chinese people's great shared hope for the country's future prosperity.

The Monument to the People's Heroes at the square featured two groups of flower beds decorated with 18 wreaths that included flowers such as white chrysanthemums.

In front of the monument, more than 2,400 representatives from all walks of life stood in lines with flowers in their hands.

Among them were veteran soldiers, relatives of martyrs, representatives of the recipients of national medals and national honorary titles, young students and children.

The trumpeters of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Military Band played solemnly, reminding people of the turbulent years in history.