The 2,000 members of the military band hushed their instruments and Tiananmen Square fell into silence as President Hu Jintao addressed the people. With former president Jiang Zemin, top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and other top officials flanking him, the President said the Chinese people should be proud and confident in their nation’s developments over the last sixty years.

Hu stressed China would continue the Reforms and Opening-Up policy, to “ensure the development of China, socialism and Marxism.” China will adhere strongly to its own form of socialism as it enters the future, to assure the progress that was made in the last six decades will continue, he said.

Hu also took time to honor the country’s revolutionary pioneers, “who have made great contributions to realizing national independence and liberation of the people.”

From the past, to the present, and into the future, President Hu was optimistic about the strength, unity and prosperity of China’s people. “Look forward to the future. We envision wide prospects for the future of China,” he said.