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China's national anthem,March of the Volunteers, is a song that we learn at the beginning of primary school and sing at every flag-raising ceremony. And now, there's even a law to protect it.
Last September, the government passed the National Anthem Law, which became effective(生效) from Oct.1, 2017. It states how we should sing or play the song, requiring all of us to behave towards it politely.
Primary and middle schools must teach the anthem to their students and make them understand the song's spirit and history. Moreover, the law requires us to be serious when we are singing the song. We can't joke about it or change the song's words or music. If someone breaks the law, he or she can bedetainedfor up to 15 days, or face further punishment in more serious situations. The national anthem is different from other songs – it is the symbol of our country.
Many foreign countries also have laws for their national anthems. For example, American school children should put their right hand over their heart while singing their country's anthem at school. In Russia, the national anthem must be played on television and radio before the start and end of broadcasting. And in the Philippines, people are required to sing the national anthem with feelings when it's played in public.
