People's Liberation Army Day
August 1, Friday
Historical context
On August 1, 1927, the Nanchang Uprising took place in the city of Nanchang, which is considered the official beginning of the creation of the armed forces of the Communist Party of China. The uprising was led by Zhu De and Zhou Enlai, opposing the ruling Kuomintang party at the time. This event marked the start of the formation of the revolutionary army, which later transformed into the People’s Liberation Army of China.
Holiday traditions
PLA Day in China is not an official public holiday but is accompanied by many ceremonial events:
– state ceremonies commemorating the Nanchang Uprising
– military parades on particularly significant years, such as anniversaries
– awarding of distinguished military personnel
– concerts, patriotic films, and TV programs
– visits of party and state leaders to military units
– presenting gifts to servicemen and veterans, especially in rural areas
– patriotism lessons and lectures in schools and universities
Symbolic meaning
The Birthday of the PLA is an important part of the official ideology of the PRC. It emphasizes the army’s commitment to serving the people and the party, and symbolizes strength, stability, and national pride. The holiday is also used to strengthen the connection between the army and the civilian population, expressed through mutual aid activities, officials’ visits, and cultural programs.
Meaning of the date "August 1"
The date August 1 is also symbolically fixed in the PLA emblem: on the red five-pointed star are golden digits “八一” (eight — one), which means “August 1.” This symbol is the official sign of the Chinese army.