China marks 1st quake anniversary

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-13-2009 09:27

Tuesday this week marked one full year since a magnitude 8 earthquake tore through parts of Sichuan province, killing almost 70,000 people. Nearly 18,000 people have been classified as missing. President Hu Jintao and Vice Premier Li Keqiang attended a ceremony at the epicenter of the quake, at Yingxiu Town, Wenchuan County. Hu Jintao called on the nation to move forward and strive for a better future.

A national flag-raising ceremony is held  during the commemorative service to mark the  first anniversary of May 12 Earthquake in  Yingxiu Township of Wenchuan County, southwest  China's Sichuan Province, on May 12, 2009.  (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

2:28 pm, May 12, 2008. A moment of life and death for the whole country.

A clock engraved into a memorial stone now stands at the epicenter of last year's massive earthquake. It is a place for people to recall their loss and remember their endurance.

A minutes silence tribute was held at the ceremony.

Ten floral baskets were placed in front of the symbolic clock memorial. And, President Hu Jintao showed his respect to the deceased.