Thu, October 09, 2008
Hundreds queued up in front of the Great Hall of the People to see the heroes of China.
On the scene were also China's most powerful people including President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.
Celebrated here are those who struggled to dig survivors from rubble or rush them to hospitals in the Sichuan earthquake.
Ren Chungang, an official, said there were many more heroes who should be awarded.
SOUNDBITE: Ren Chungang, Head of Hui County, Gansu Province, saying (Mandarin):
"People working in the disaster zones are not after any fame or award. We felt obliged to do what we could and fulfil our responsibilities in fighting the quake and rebuilding our homes. This is honourable. These people are the real heroes."
The heroes spoke of their experiences in the quake zone.
Wang Kai was emotional when he talked about the anguish of having to amputate a young girl's leg to save her life.
The girl told him before her leg was removed that she wanted to be a ballet dancer.
SOUNDBITE: Wang Kai, PLA (People's Liberation Army) officer, said (Mandarin):
"(At that moment) My soldiers and I saluted our national flag and made a promise to fight the earthquake."
The May tremor killed over 80,000 people.
Bt the tragedy also brought pride in the government's rapid response and a fervent outpouring of help from the huge numbers of ordinary people.
(Source: Reuters)
