China marks 1st quake anniversary

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Yingxiu Town was one of the worst-hit areas. More than half of its ten thousand residents were killed.

Foreign diplomats present flowers during the commemorative  service to mark the first anniversary of May 12 Earthquake  in Yingxiu Township of Wenchuan County, southwest China's  Sichuan Province, May 12, 2009. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Most of the buildings collapsed, and landslides buried others. Roads were blocked, and water and power were cut off.

The day turned into a nightmare, which will be remembered forever.

Chinese president Hu Jintao said, "We are gathered here today to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province, and to remember the victims, and those who sacrificed their lives during the quake relief work."

The ceremony remembers the many who lost their lives, but it also acknowledges those who survived and are rebuilding their lives.