In anticipation of this year's Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chinese Elders' Day, ten people in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, have been awarded "filial piety stars" for their outstanding endeavors in respecting and helping senior citizens.

Zheng Yujin, 85, is the oldest of the "stars." For 65 years, she has been taking care of her mother-in-law, who at 104 years old lacks the ability to take care of herself because of a disease she contracted in her youth. Another "star," Wu Xiaoyan, is a nurse at the city's rest home. She has been looking after an elderly patient for 13 years.

By making the ten people "filial piety" models, the city government is calling on the whole city to respect and create a good environment for senior citizens who have made great contributions to society.

This year's Double Ninth Festival falls on Monday, October 30. It is the ninth day of the ninth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, and is regarded as a holiday for elders.

(CRI October 30, 2006)