The Olympic torch is carrying through Leshan, Sichuan province.

The Olympic torch is carrying through Leshan, Sichuan province.

Jiang Min, the 1st torchbearer in Guang'an said "I am so excited right now. Many thanks to those who cared so much. Many thanks to our dear motherland. It was your caring that gave us the confidence to rebuild our homes and our communities better than before."

The first torchbearer in Guang'an on Sunday, Jiang Min, is a policewoman in Pengzhou. In that city, near the earthquake's epicenter at Wenchuan, she lost 10 members of her family--including her two-year old daughter and her parents. In the face of her grief she went to work in the front line of relief efforts -- and moved the entire nation. As she finished her part in the torch relay, she commented -- "I will bring the Olympic spirit to my work. We can rebuild our homeland by working together".

Sichuan is the final stop for the Olympic flame before it heads to Beijing for the Games opening ceremony, Friday. The Sichuan tour had been scheduled, originally to take place in June. It was postponed because of the earthquake. In all -- 862 torchbearers, 29 of them rescue workers were nominated to take part in the relay.

(CCTV August 5, 2008)