People all over the country are sharing the grief of those who have lost their loved ones in the April 14 earthquake that hit Yushu county, Qinghai province. Our national flags are being flown at half-mast to mark a national day of mourning.

Every life is respected. We come together in silent tribute to the more than 2,000 lives lost in the disaster.

A national day of mourning was also observed nearly two years ago, when an even deadlier tremor claimed more than 80,000 lives in Wenchuan, Sichuan province.

All across the country, we hear the message to rally behind victims of the Yushu quake. We will help them through the tough times.

From the grief written on the faces of those mourning the victims, we understand that efforts from the central and local governments, nongovernmental organizations and individuals in rescue and relief work drive home the principle - that this country treasures the values of life.

Respect for the dead is a tradition that can be traced back to the roots of Chinese civilization. We do so to cherish the memory of those who have perished and to muster strength for creating a better future.

This national day of mourning carries another message: That people all over the country will extend a helping hand to reconstruct the homes destroyed by the tremor and to build a brighter future for people there.

Responding to the April 20 CCTV gala devoted to quake relief, a number of enterprises and institutions, including China Daily, have poured in their donations for quake victims. This show of love for the victims since that deadly moment on April 14 will continue to spread.