At 8 am on Oct 1, residents in an ordinary community in Beijing gathered in front of the flagpole. Dappled sunlight shone through the leaves, illuminating the faces of the dozens of participants of all ages.

It's a traditional ritual rather than a one-off celebration. For 19 years in a row, residents of Yixin Jiayuan, a compound in Chaoyang district, have been holding a flag-raising ceremony on the morning of China's National Day.

"It is one of our most important events each year," says Yang Zhenru, 84, former secretary of the local Communist Party of China branch, who held the first celebration in 1999.

"We wanted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The national flag-raising ceremony is held each autumn in Tian'anmen Square, and it is impossible for all of us to enjoy the ceremony at the scene. Then it occurred to me to hold a flag-raising ceremony ourselves. We love our country, and this is the best way to show our love," Yang says.

Then Yang applied for a flagpole from the education committee of Chaoyang district.

"We must have been the first community to request one," Yang says.

After finishing the first flag-raising ceremony on National Day in 1999, the residents were so excited and proud that they were reluctant to leave. As a result, the celebration has become a tradition for the community.

Two flag raisers and two flag bearers are needed each year, and different people take the positions.

The flag bearers are usually two Young Pioneers who are around 9 years old, and the flag raisers are usually residents considered to be morally upright, or those who contribute positively to the community. They consider it a great honor, says Yang.

Dou Liguo was one of the flag raisers for the ceremony in 2015. He was China's best-known courier after ringing the New York Stock Exchange bell on behalf of e-commerce titan Alibaba Group in 2014.

"I have participated in this ceremony for several years since I moved here," Dou says. "It has become a must for my National Day holiday now. It reminds me of the greatness of our country, inspiring me to devote myself to work and our warm community."

This year, following the flag raising and the singing of the national anthem, Guan Yixian, the current secretary of the CPC branch for the community, gave a speech about China's achievements this year.

Yang Zhenru, who organized the first ceremony, retired in 2003, and Guan Yixian has taken on the role and presided over 14 ceremonies since 2004.

"We organize this celebration not only to gather people around, but also to commemorate the success and prosperity of our motherland," says Guan, 72.

Residents are enthusiastic about the annual event. Several recite poems, written by Guan, to express their love for the country.

"They have been practicing hard. One even recited the poem he was learning while he was cooking. They all enjoy the event and are willing to dedicate themselves to it," Guan says.

At the end of the ceremony, people gather in front of the flagpole for a song celebrating the birthday of the People's Republic of China.

Residents were especially serious about this year's ceremony because, coincidentally, it was the 19th flag-raising celebration, and the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be held in Beijing this month.

"This special flag-raising ceremony, as well as other events held in our community each year, make us a family here - just as whatever happens in our country makes the whole of China one big family," Dou says.

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(China Daily European Weekly 10/13/2017 page15)