The grand military parade (盛大阅兵式) and celebrations were held in Tian'anmen Square, Beijing on Oct. 1 for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
A grand military parade was held in the morning, showing the great progress made by the Chinese armed forces in recent years. About 15,000 officers and soldiers took part in the 80-minute parade in front of Tian'anmen Square. Then, a mass pageant(群众游行展) showing China's historical achievements and the nation's great rejuvenation(伟大复兴)was held. It was seen as a lesson on Chinese history and how far the nation has progressed. The mass pageant lasted 65 minutes and was divided into five parts, each part showed respect to Chinese leaders in the past and leaders now, from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping. In the evening, a gala(盛会)took place in Tian'anmen Square. The songs, dances and fireworks celebrated the nation and its people.
President Xi expressed warm National Day congratulations to Chinese people home and abroad. Standing on the Tian'anmen Rostrum in Beijing, where Chairman Mao Zedong announced the founding of the PRC on Oct 1, 1949, Xi recalled Chinese history. He also showed a road map for the country to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. He called for efforts to make a better life and to keep making achievements. The parade and celebrations have set off Chinese people's patriotism (爱国心)and a strong sense of pride.
