China honors heroes, models helping found New China, inspiring nation

• Source: Xinhua
• [08:12 September 15 2009]
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Li Changchun (C), a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, addresses a symposium in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2009. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

The move of selecting the heroes and models was an important part of the activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), he said.

Li said the process itself was also a patriotic lesson for officials and the general public.

The activity, launched in May, attracted about 100 million people to cast votes, sources with the organizer of the activity said. And the 200 heroes were finally picked out from 300 candidates.

"The heroes, despite their differences in historical time and post, share many things in common, such as loyalty to the country, love for the people and selfless devotion," Li said.

These were spiritual treasures formed in the great history of Chinese revolution, construction and reform led by the Party, he said.

Li called on the whole nation to learn from these heroes and pass down their moving stories and lofty spirit to generations to come.

"Their noble spirit should be a lasting inspiration for the people to make new achievements," said Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, who presided over the symposium.

Delegates like Li Yazhong, a descendent of Li Dazhao (1888-1927), one of the main founders of the CPC, and Zhang Yunquan, an official with the Bureau for Letters and Calls in eastern Jiangsu Province, gave speeches at the symposium.