BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's national political advisory body on Tuesday held a New Year gathering for spouses of late influential figures as well as national political advisors who were not members of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"We remember those who stuck together with the Communist Party of China through hardship and made immortal contributions to the country's revival and the people's felicity," said Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, at the event.

Among the attendees were Wang Dingguo, wife of Xie Juezai, one of the founders of China's justice system, and Xu Huijun, wife of Zhu Guangya, a leading scientist in the country's research and development of nuclear weaponry.

Du expressed his appreciation for the attendees, who made sacrifices for their spouses throughout their struggles and glories, and his hope that they will keep supporting the people's political consultative work.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, also attended the gathering.

This year's Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 31.