QUAKE HEROES JOIN TORCH RELAY

Many rescue and relief workers have been made as torch carriers, such as Major General Chen Fei, in honor of their efforts.

As director of the Shanghai General Fire Brigade, Chen led more than 400 fire fighters to Yingxiu Township, Wenchuan County, on May 14, braving aftershocks, mud-rock flows and heavy rains.

Despite hunger and fatigue, Chen and his team rescued more than 300 people and treated 167 injured.

"Holding the Olympic flame is the greatest honor of my life. The honor not only belongs to me, but to all the fire fighters working at the front line," said Chen, after completing his 200-meter torch run.

Xiao Mingchao, vice president of the first affiliated hospital of Chongqing Medical University who rushed to the quake zone with 15 colleagues, was similarly honored.

"This year has seen many difficulties and disasters in China, but we always feel the support of the nation behind us. I believe we can overcome disasters and hold a successful Olympic Games as well," said Xiao.

RALLY HOPE FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS

"The torch relay was originally set to pass through my home city of Deyang, Sichuan Province. My classmates and I planned to watch it after the national university entrance exam, but the earthquake ended that," said Peng Li, a student at the high school of Dongfang Steam Turbine Factory, who was injured and taken to Chongqing for medical treatment.

Peng said she still felt hope when she saw on TV the flame carried through Chongqing. "It will motivate me to diligently study for the college entrance exam in early July."

Ma Yuanjiang, who was saved after being buried in the rubble for 179 hours, was invited to watch the torch relay in Chongqing.

"I really appreciate the care and love shown by everyone. The enthusiasm during the torch relay shows the nation's spirit and proves Chinese people can overcome every difficulty," he said.

Dai Guohong, a student at Beichuan High School, who lost both legs in the quake, hoped to be a torch bearer too after he saw fellow survivor Liu Gangjun take part in a wheelchair.

Since May 12, the flame has passed through the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing and Xinjiang.

Fifty days later, the torch will light up the Olympic opening ceremony at the "Bird Nest" National Stadium after the torch relay ends, while the relay of love will never stop.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2008)