China's senior leader Li Changchun stressed that the "Lei Feng Spirit" should be carried forward to inspire greater devotion among Chinese citizens to the country's opening up, reform and modernization drive.
Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remark during a national meeting commemorating the "Learn from Lei Feng" campaign initiated by late Chairman Mao Zedong 40 years ago.
Lei Feng, China's most famous symbol of sacrifice for others, was born in 1940 in central China's Hunan Province. He died on Aug.15, 1962, in an accident at the age of 22.
Li said that upholding the spirit of Lei Feng in the new century requires ambitious ideals, a strong sense of responsibility, the conscious maintenance of social moral values and the consistent heritage of traditional virtues, which will serve as a spiritual catalyst for the building of a well-off society in an all-around way.
The participants, who included outstanding social volunteers, said they believe that the core of the "Lei Feng Spirit," described as serving people from heart and soul, can fully conform to the requirements of the new era and reflect the desires of the people.
The meeting was jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the central office in charge of promoting socialist ethics and cultural development, the General Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China.
(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2003)
