BEIJING, Oct. 1 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping remembered revolutionary forefathers and martyrs for their feats in pursuing national independence and liberation, a stronger and more prosperous country and the people's well-being, in a speech delivered Tuesday at a grand rally marking the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended warm National Day congratulations to Chinese people of all ethnic groups and all compatriots at home and abroad.

Xi also expressed heartfelt gratitude to friends around the world for their caring for and support to China's development.