Soldiers present flower arrangements at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Beijing on Thursday to commemorate those who died in service to the country. Photo: VCG

Teenagers hold bouquets of flowers as they march toward the monument in Tiananmen Square during the Martyrs’ Day ceremony in September 2015. Photo: IC Photo

Soldiers carry baskets of flowers to the monument in Tiananmen Square in September 2016. Photo: IC Photo

Military personnel walk to the monument holding flowers during the 6th Martyrs’ Day ceremony in September 2019. Photo: VCG

Raised flags flutter in front of the monument ahead of the 4th Martyrs’ Day in September 2017. Photo: IC Photo

Workers clean the red carpet on the monument to prepare for the 5th Martyrs’ Day ceremony in September 2018. Photo: IC Photo

A resident takes a photo of the monument in September 2020. Photo: IC Photo

People line up for this year’s ceremony Thursday. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV