The Chinese government holds a grand ceremony on Wednesday to honor organizations and individuals for their contribution to relief work after the May 12 earthquake.

Soldiers, armed police, military reservists, medical staff and volunteers struggled to rescue those buried under the debris. People in other parts of China and from abroad made significant donations. There were a lot of moving stories from the rescue and relief operations.

President Hu Jintao spoke at Wednesday's summary meeting. He proposed a moment of silence in memory of those killed in the earthquake.

The president spoke highly of the spirit demonstrated by the party, army and all Chinese people in the fight against the earthquake.

Chinese President Hu Jintao said, "The devastating earthquake is a time of great suffering for the Chinese people. But it's also a great test for China in moving forward. Our party, army and people have overcome difficulties and withstood challenges with a firm belief, a strong will and tenacity. The victory in our quake rescue and relief operations has demonstrated the great power of China's reform and opening-up. The triumph will further boost our national confidence and pride, spurring on people in quake-stricken zones to overcome difficulties to re-build their lives. It will also encourage the Chinese people to carry on the reform and opening-up and to push forward the socialist modernization drive."

The president also extended China's gratitude for those at home and from abroad who had made contribution in the quake rescue and relief work. Hu Jintao also laid out the goals and guiding principles for the post-quake re-building work. He said the livelihood of quake-stricken people is a continuos priority.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao presided over the summary meeting of quake rescue and relief operations.

Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang read out the decision made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council and the Central Military Commission to honor those groups and individuals who contributed to the quake rescue and relief operations.

(CCTV October 8, 2008)