Xinhua Beijing, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The State Council today issued a proclamation announcing that in order to express the deep condolences of the people of all ethnic groups in the country for the compatriots killed in the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province, the State Council has decided to designate May 19-21, 2008, as the National Mourning Day, the Chinese government reported on its website. The full text of the announcement is as follows:
State Council Announcement
In order to express the deep condolences of the people of all ethnic groups for the compatriots killed in the Wenchuan Earthquake, the State Council has decided to designate May 19-21, 2008 as the National Day of Mourning. During this period, the whole country and the foreign institutions at half-mast, stop public **** entertainment activities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China's embassies and consulates abroad to set up books of condolence. 14:28 on May 19, the people of the whole country to observe three minutes of silence, when cars, trains, ships, whistles, air-raid sirens sounded.
Internet public mourning! Sorrowful mourning for compatriots killed in the Wenchuan earthquake!
"Wenchuan earthquake compatriots killed in the network public sacrifice activities" at 14:28 on the afternoon of 18 officially launched.
Network public mourning activities by "our civilization" "national soul" website jointly with the people's network, Xinhua, China.com, CCTV International, Sina.com, Sohu.com, China.com, Tencent.com and other websites **** with the launch.
Network public mourning activities for 512.china5000.org.cn, the main content includes online to all the compatriots killed in the virtual flowers to express the majority of young people's deep condolences and remembrance; to the families of compatriots killed in the letter message to express the deepest condolences and comfort, to help them as soon as possible to get out of the shadow of the catastrophe; the initiative of the nation's young people to suspend the recreation activities! for one day to express their condolences and honor to the compatriots who were killed.
It is understood that the network public mourning activities until 14:27 on the 19th end. After the event, the special website will be enriched with content, built "Wenchuan Earthquake Memorial Hall", online long-term retention, forever memorial.
Day of Mourning Note
First: the national mourning period, dress to formal, solemn, do not wear too fashionable or brightly colored clothes, shoes and hats, lesbians do not use bright lipstick and eye shadow colorful dress, do not wear fashionable jewelry;
Second: the work of the break is not allowed to open the music, not allowed to play cards, not allowed to play play;
Third: to maintain the public *** place. Pay attention to maintain the atmosphere of the public *** place, when walking on the street, do not three to five groups of heckling;
Fourth: after work do not go in and out of dance halls, karaoke halls, billiard clubs, and do not put on songs at home, singing karaoke, hosting parties with friends;
Fifth: you can wear a number of symbols or ornaments that express mourning, memorial;
Sixth: Stop work for three minutes from 14:28 this afternoon.
Seventh: May 19 this is the first time that a national day of mourning has been set up for ordinary people killed in natural disasters, some people will not be accustomed to it, do not pay attention to it and do not know what to do, I hope that you will try to pass on this information among your friends and family and feel free to correct any incorrect behavior that you see.
National Day of Mourning, a baptism of the national spirit
The establishment of the National Day of Mourning is in line with the wishes of the people. After the disaster, many people have said that the country should pay tribute to the victims, and some scholars have even written articles in the media calling for the establishment of a day of mourning. On May 16th, the Peruvian government announced May 19th as a "National Day of Mourning" in memory of the Chinese victims of the Wenchuan earthquake, which is the first time that Peru has set up a "National Day of Mourning" for foreign victims. The establishment of the national day of mourning is a tribute to the dead, a consolation to the living, a respect for public opinion and a demonstration of the government's respect for life.
The silence under the national flag is a tribute and a wake-up call. Although it is only three minutes, it expresses mourning, sends remembrance and makes people feel that the country is by your side and mine. In the face of major disasters, the government announced the establishment of a national day of mourning, has long become a kind of "international practice". For example, "9-11" after the occurrence of the United States will be September 14 as a national day of mourning. Another example is after the hostage incident in North Ossetia, Putin signed a decree declaring September 6 and 7 as two consecutive days of national mourning.
In fact, the nation's mourning has not ceased since the disaster. Many TV stations interrupted their normal programs to broadcast a 24-hour live broadcast of the earthquake relief. Chongqing radio and television administration even stipulated to stop broadcasting all entertainment programs during the earthquake. Citizens in some places spontaneously organized mourning activities similar to candlelight sacrifices. "National tragedy, let the entertainment go away," has become many people's **** knowledge.
The establishment of the Day of Mourning, there is indeed a need for it, because there are too many people, too many things worthy of our mourning, tribute. In this disaster, tens of thousands of compatriots left us forever. Some of them are mothers, fathers, teachers, husbands, wives and students, who have interpreted the glory of humanity with their lives and left endless spiritual wealth to the living.
Mourning the compatriots killed, we should reflect on the responsibility of the living. We will cherish life more, we will be more caring and work harder. Although the disaster took away our homes, but not take away our strong will. Disaster has taken away our loved ones, but not take away the family of the Chinese family affection. The Chinese nation is a nation that has experienced trials and tribulations, and in the face of trials and tribulations, the Chinese nation has never been knocked down, and disasters only make us stronger.
Mourning day, half-mast flags, stopping recreational activities, sirens, air-raid sirens sounded, it is not only a memorial ceremony for the deceased, but also a baptism of the spirit of the Chinese nation. We firmly believe that our compatriots who have experienced this disaster will become more courageous, tolerant, friendly and resilient.
Regulations on lowering the flag to half-mast on days of mourning
The Law of the People's Republic of China on the National Flag of the People's Republic of China clearly stipulates and strictly regulates the legal time for the flag to be lowered to half-mast as well as the legal procedures:
Article 14 The following persons passed away, the flag was lowered to half-mast to pay tribute to their deaths:
(1) The President of the People's Republic of China, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Premier of the State Council, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission;
(ii) Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference;
(iii) Persons who have made outstanding contributions to the Chinese People's **** and State;
(iv) Persons who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of world peace or the progress of mankind.
The flag may be lowered to half-mast in observance of mourning in the event of an unfortunate incident with particularly heavy casualties or a serious natural disaster resulting in heavy casualties.
The State Council shall decide on the lowering of the flag to half-mast in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 1 (c) and (d) and 2 of this Article.
The date and place for lowering the flag at half-mast in accordance with the provisions of this Article shall be decided by the mourning organization established by the State or by the State Council.
In Article 14, the usage of the terms "pay tribute" and "pay respects" is clearly stipulated: "pay tribute" is an expression of sorrow for the deceased, and applies to the four categories of persons specified in the first paragraph; "pay respects" applies to the four categories of persons specified in the first paragraph; "pay respects" applies to the four categories of persons specified in the second paragraph. The four types of people stipulated in the first paragraph; "mourning" is to mourn in a certain way, applicable to "the occurrence of particularly heavy casualties of unfortunate events or serious natural disasters resulting in heavy casualties" such a situation.