Authorities demand more measures to honor martyrs

Chinese authorities have called for greater efforts to honor China's martyrs in order to promote their patriotic and selfless spirit.

Efforts should be made to create an environment where people who have sacrificed themselves for the country are remembered, respected and learned from, a circular published on Wednesday said.

The circular was jointly issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council General Office and the Central Military Commission.

Local governments have been told to use various media channels, such as newspapers, broadcasting programs, television dramas and films, as well as the Internet, to promote the spirit of the martyrs.

The circular also called for more memorial activities to mourn martyrs during the traditional Qingming holiday, or Tomb Sweeping Day, when Chinese people visit family graves and grieve for the deceased.

Similar activities should also be carried out during other holidays and on important memorial days, the document said.

The circular urged for promoting education on the martyrs' heroism among the country's young people and strengthening the protection of memorial facilities for martyrs.

The government has built 4,151 martyr memorial facilities across the country, and over 100 others have been constructed abroad, including Vietnam, Laos, Tanzania and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA).

The MCA will grant about 10 billion yuan (1.63 billion U.S. dollars) to complete the protection of 615,000 martyr graves and 12,000 martyr memorial facilities scattered throughout the nation by 2014.

Local authorities should improve their policies on the treatment of martyrs' families, the document said.

The government should take primary responsibility in taking care of martyrs' family members, and the allowances they receive should be increased, it said.

Efforts are also needed to help bereaved families who have problems with their livelihoods, medical services, housing, education or employment, the circular said.

China has raised the pension standard for bereaved families for 22 consecutive years since 1990, with an annual average increase of 15 percent, according to the MCA.