Chinese government named September 30 the "Martyrs' Day" starting this year to remember those who laid down their lives for the people's republic. Suzhou organized a public memorial ceremony at Suzhou Cemetery of Martyrs. Wang Xiang, Standing Committee member of CPC Suzhou Municipal Committee and Secretary of CPC SIP Working Committee, attended the ceremony and then visited Wang Jinbao, the 72-year-old widow of a local soldier at Shengpu Sub-district.

Chen Qiuquan, Wang's late husband, had silicosis from the work in the army and died at the age of 32 in 1975. Wang has raised three children since then and now lives with her eldest son. Wang Xiang handed over the condolatory money and talked to the old lady who was recovering from a surgery she had early this year. "Today is the first Martyrs' Day," he said, "and the best way to honor them is to remember their contributions to the country."