National Day Flag-raising Ceremony

A grand flag-raising ceremony took place at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, commemorating the 74th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.  After trumpet soldiers sounded their clarions, the national flag was escorted into the square by 96 members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor.

For many Chinese, witnessing the national flag-raising ceremony has become a tradition, allowing them to express their deep sense of patriotism. They sang the Chinese national anthem while watching the national flag going up. The middle of the square was decked out with a huge flower basket arrangement as part of the National Day celebrations.