Approved by the the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the presentation ceremony of the national medals and honorary titles of the People's Republic of China was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2019. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented the national medals and honorary titles to the winners of the Medal of the Republic and honorary titles, and the Medal of Friendship.
Xi’s speech at the presentation ceremony of the national medals and honorary titles of the People's Republic of China:
Comrades and Friends:
Today, we confer top honors ahead of the70th founding anniversary on outstanding individuals for their contributions to the country and international friends for their actions in promoting exchanges between China and foreign countries.
First of all, on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, National People’s Congress, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, I convey my congratulations and respect to the heroes and role models who received the Medal of the Republic and honorary titles, and to foreign friends, who received the Medal of Friendship.
The people honored are outstanding representatives of all who have contributed to the cause of the Party and nation. Their stories and contributions will always be marked in history.
When people respect and praise heroes, more heroes will arise. The Party and State have always attached great importance to recognizing such people. Today, we honor these heroes and role models with the highest standards to promote their qualities of loyalty, perseverance and humbleness.
The loyalty refers to their firm belief and hard work for the cause of the Party and the people. They have always regarded seeking happiness for the Chinese people and striving for national rejuvenation as its original aspiration and mission, willing to see a bright future at the expense of their whole lives.
The perseverance refers to their dedication to hard work for decades in fields where the Party and the people needed them most.
The humbleness refers to their huge sacrifices at ordinary job posts without pursuing fame or self-interest. A lot of comrades set an example in making earth-shaking achievements while burying their names.
The heroes and role models demonstrated with their actions that greatness comes out of the ordinary and every ordinary person can have an extraordinary life. Adhering to firm ideals and convictions and working tirelessly to fulfill their role, every ordinary person can have an extraordinary life and every ordinary job can produce extraordinary achievements.
It is hoped that the awardees will cherish the honor and influence more people with their strong faith, belief and confidence. Meanwhile, Party committees and governments at all levels should take care of heroes and role models，admire and learn from them to achieve the two centenary goals and national rejuvenation.
Comrades and Friends!
Today, we also have sincere gratitude for the recipients of the Friendship Medal regarding their contribution to China's development. The Chinese people are willing to work with people of all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind and make the planet a better place.
Comrades and Friends!
The greatness comes out of tireless efforts and the great course demands progress built on the past. As the new era will be an era of everything, people of all walks of life should learn form heroes and role models for their perseverance and diligence, thus winning victory in prospering our country in new era.
Thank you!