Follow the example of heroes and write a new chapter for the Republic

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, a grand ceremony took place in Beijing to honor remarkable individuals with national medals. General Secretary Xi Jinping was on hand to present these prestigious awards and delivered an important speech highlighting the significance of these achievements.

At the 11th meeting of the 14th National People’s Congress Standing Committee, four distinguished individuals, including Wang Yongzhi, received the esteemed “Medal of the Republic,” and Dilma Rousseff was awarded the “Friendship Medal.” Additionally, ten others, including Wang Xiaomo, were recognized with national honors. These honorees have made exceptional contributions across various fields, from advancing China’s space ambitions and fighting serious diseases like leukemia to showcasing modern craftsmanship and achieving vital victories for national security. They truly represent the heroic spirit of those who have significantly contributed to the development of New China.

Over the past 75 years, the Communist Party of China has brought together people from all ethnic backgrounds, achieving the remarkable dual goals of rapid economic growth and lasting social stability. This transformation has set the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation on an irreversible historical path. Today, China stands at a pivotal moment, advancing modernization in a uniquely Chinese fashion. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted that such a significant era calls for heroes; where heroes thrive, so does the nation. He urged all Party members and citizens to look to these exemplary figures as sources of inspiration, encouraging unity and collective effort toward enhancing the strength of the nation.

The essence of patriotism is critical. Building a strong country rests on the foundation of strong families, where the concept of family extends to encompass the nation. There has long been a tradition among Chinese citizens to place collective interests above individual ones. The recipients of national honors embody this ethos, acting with selflessness for the greater good. We are called to embrace a vision of national prosperity and the welfare of our people, dedicating ourselves to our country and intertwining our personal identities with that of the nation. With 1.4 billion people united, we possess the potential to drive national revitalization forward.

Skill development plays a vital role in strengthening our nation. Transitioning from relying on imported goods to producing globally recognized machinery, China has achieved in mere decades what once took centuries. This industrial advancement is a testament to the relentless efforts of workers across various sectors. Take Xu Zhenchao, the “People’s Craftsman” award recipient, who evolved from a regular dockworker into a representative of a modern, innovative workforce. His journey illustrates that dedication to one’s profession allows anyone to make significant contributions to society and the nation. It’s imperative that we adapt to contemporary demands, acquiring new knowledge and mastering innovative skills to excel in our professions.

To realize our shared dream of rejuvenating the Chinese nation—our collective aspiration—we’ve successfully met our first centenary goal and are diligently pursuing the second. For China to reach new heights, every sector must strengthen. With ambitions to emerge as a powerhouse in manufacturing, space exploration, transportation, technology, education, and talent, the call to action is invigorating. We must take initiative, embrace responsibility, and tackle challenges head-on, striving for excellence and achieving extraordinary results in our daily work.

As we navigate new challenges and opportunities, the inspiring stories of heroic figures and their noble spirits can guide us forward. We need to embody the loyalty, dedication, and simplicity exemplified by these role models, respecting and learning from their journeys. By reflecting their values in our everyday actions, we can set ambitious goals, unite in purpose, and boldly move ahead, together crafting a vibrant and remarkable new chapter for the People’s Republic of China.