August 1st is the Memorial Day for the foundation of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The Communist Party of China (CPC) and Kuomintang were allied at the beginning of the democratic revolution. This alliance lasted until April, 1927 when Kuomintang started an anti-revolutionary move.

The History of The People’s Liberation Army

The Communist Party of China, founded in 1921, decided to start an armed uprising when it realized the importance of taking over the government with armed forces after the anti-revolutionary attacks and mass slaughters.

On August 1st, thousands of people started an uprising in Nanchang to protect the revolution. The decision was made by the Communist Party of China. This was the first time that the Communist Party of China led the armed revolution independently. They marched south. A part of the army arrived in Jiangxi province on April 1928 and joined Mao Zedong’s forces. This is how the Chinese Red Army was formed. The army consisted mostly of workers. Later on the army got stronger and more developed and the name of the Chinese Red Army was changed to today’s People’s Liberation Army. The People’s Liberation Army of China has and continues to contribute to the future of the Chinese and the world’s peace since then.

The Soviet area of Communist Party of China suggested that August 1st would be the memorial day for the foundation of Chinese Red Army in 1933. The military committee adopted August 1st as the Army Day. The emblem of the People’s Liberation Army consists of a red star with the Chinese characters 八 一 which stand for 8 and 1 representing the foundation date August 1st.

The Celebrations

The day is celebrated all over the nation. When the Army Day approaches, the preparations for the Army Day parade start in the military. The soldiers are trained hard for that important event. As it’s known, Chinese are very determined, hard-working, disciplined and strict in whatever they do. Thus, you can imagine how the soldiers are prepared for this important national day.
In addition to the parade, held in several cities, the leaders meet the veterans to show their respect for them. Gatherings and various activities are held for the veterans and the soldiers and their relatives to support and honour them. In some places, the soldiers and veterans are offered trips or several gifts for their contribution and services in the army.