March 29, designated as Youth Day in the ROC, is a date of tremendous importance to the people of China as a time when the young are reminded of the heroic accomplishments and sacrifices of the nation's martyrs and when all citizens take a moment to think and reflect on the past.

In 1911, the Founding Father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, carried out his tenth attempt to topple the Ch'ing government in a campaign known as the Canton Uprising . The revolutionary army, commanded by Huang Hsing, engaged the imperial troops in a bitter struggle that ended in defeat after one day. Some 72 soldiers died bravely in the battle. The sacrifice of these young martyrs is commemorated by the ROC government by designating March 29 as Youth Day.

On Youth Day in Taiwan, the ROC president personally officiates at the public service held at the shrine for the Martyrs' of the Revolution and all soldiers killed in action, and local governments hold similar ceremonies at the regional level. Youth Day is also celebrated by the Youth Day Celebration Ceremony, at which "Ten Outstanding Youth" are honored to encourage young people to cherish the achievements of the revolution.

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