The Founding Ceremony: The People's Republic of China Holds Its Inaugural Celebration

This book is primarily about the Founding Ceremony, the grand celebration marking the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

It mainly covers: 1. The magnificent founding ceremony: the ceremony held in Tiananmen Square; the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China; Mao Zedong reading the Central Government’s announcement; Zhu De reviewing the troops accompanied by Nie Rongzhen; Zhu De reading the People’s Liberation Army Headquarters’ order; a grand parade by people from all walks of life; and a dazzling fireworks display bringing the ceremony to a close.

2. A new era for Tiananmen: Zhou Enlai selecting Tiananmen as the site for the celebrations; Tiananmen welcoming the new China with a fresh appearance; Zhou Lingzhao painting Mao Zedong’s portrait for Tiananmen; calligrapher Zhong Ling writing slogans for Tiananmen; Chinese and Japanese artists working together to make enormous palace lanterns; Zhou Enlai proposing the construction of the “First Monument”; and Tiananmen welcoming a great day.

3. A new look for the new China: “The March of the Volunteers” echoing across the square; the five-star red flag rising over Tiananmen Square; the first flagpole standing in the square; 54 artillery pieces firing 28 thunderous salutes; and the ceremonial music of the new China filling the square.

4. The background to the military review: Nie Rongzhen serving as commander-in-chief of the parade; Yang Chengwu drafting the Parade Plan; troops gathering for training at Nanyuan Airport; the Military Commission’s Aviation Bureau arranging the aerial review; and flight squadrons joining the parade with live ammunition.

5. The birth of the new China: the date of the founding ceremony being set; Mao Zedong ascending Tiananmen Gate; Soong Ching Ling, the mother of the nation, ascending Tiananmen Gate; democratic revolutionary Li Jishen ascending the gate; non-Party figures attending the ceremony; and Chinese and foreign guests ascending Tiananmen Gate, among other topics.