More than 1,100 people Monday gathered in Guang'an, the hometown of Deng Xiaoping, late chief architect of China's reform, to mark his 100th birthday.

Participants included Deng Ken, younger brother of the former leader, top officials of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the provincial government, local veteran cadres and representatives of various social sectors.

To start the ceremony, everyone bowed three times to a huge portrait of Deng Xiaoping hung on the rostrum to show their respect.

Addressing the meeting, Tan Li, secretary of CPC Guang'an Committee, said, "The best way to cherish our memory of Deng Xiaoping is to make his hometown prosperous. Now he can take

comfort from the fast economic growth and new look in his hometown. We'll redouble our efforts to make his hometown even more beautiful and prosperous."

Yong Zongman, a village party secretary, said, "Whether the broad masses of people support the party and the government or not lies in their ability to lead them to a good life. I must bear in mind Deng's teaching of being a good son of the people and make our hometown more prosperous."