Lhasa Holds National-Flag Raising CeremonyMore than 6,000 people from various ethnic groups and walks of life January 1 gathered in the Potala Palace Square, Lhasa, to hold a national-flag raising ceremony.When the first sunshine of the new century reached this snow- covered plateau, known as "roof of the world," a red five-star flag was slowly raised in the square and all those attending the ceremony as well as passers-by stood still and watched the rising flag, praying for a better future for the motherland. "The red five-star flag brought liberation to the Tibetan people several decades ago, it will bring us a better life in the new century," said Phintso Norbu, a local old man. After the flag-raising ceremony, thousands happy Lhasa residents celebrated the coming of the new century with dances and songs. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |