September 9, 1976 - 2026: 50 years since the Great Helmsman of China left his people for the heavens

Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, died on September 9, 1976, in Beijing at the age of 82 from a heart attack. His death marked the end of nearly three decades of rule, and his body was displayed in the Great Hall of the People, attracting a million citizens in tribute. The Chinese Communist Party called for unity and observed three minutes of silence across the country.