October 1st, 2019 marked the 70th anniversary of Mao’s famous declaration of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China on Tienanmen Square. It was the apex of huge national celebrations, imagery and national celebration. The run up to a major milestone in China’s National Celebration was an interesting time to be in Beijing, to see how a major event like this comes together and impacts the city, ‘in the National Interest.’  The serious logistical planning and rehearsals required to get something like this together could only take place in a country like China. The disruption to people’s daily lives…