March 5 is not a national holiday, but Chinese people mark this day on their calendars to remember a special person. That person is Lei Feng, a household name in China for altruism and socialist ethical values. Since his untimely death in 1962 at the tender age of 22, stories of Lei's good deeds have inspired new generations.
Lei was an ordinary young man, orphaned at seven, and later joined the People's Liberation Army. During his short life, he constantly helped people in need with his own spare time and money.
On March 5, 1963, Chairman Mao Zedong called people to follow Lei's example and the day was named "Lei Feng's Day."
Especially in Lei's hometown of Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, locals are proud of him and follow his legacy as volunteers. |