In a country like China that does not lack heroes, there is still much to do for those who have made sacrifices for a just course.

Although different foundations have been set up across the country to reward the heroes or heroines many years ago, the relatively small sum of compensation from the funds has proven to be inadequate to aid the families of the diseased or disabled.

More often than not, those families have found themselves in a quagmire, and their state of suffering has deterred others from conducting heroic deeds.

Therefore, it is heartening to see that many localities are moving toward improving the situation.

In a praise-worthy move to aid families of people who have sacrificed their lives to save that of others or protect public property, Guangzhou in South China yesterday raised its awards in this regard substantially.

Those who have died a heroic death, civilians and public servants, will be awarded 300,000 yuan ($39,500), up from the original 50,000 yuan. The same margin of increase in awards will also be applied to people who have become handicapped because of a just course.

This highest award in the country so far is expected to provide greater comfort for the families of heroes both materially and spiritually. It will also encourage more people to follow the path of heroes when human life or public property is at risk.

Meanwhile, a few other places have also amended local regulations or set aside more public funds to encourage the emergence of more heroes and heroines.

All these positive moves will contribute to cultivating a healthy social trend as well as a sense of righteousness in our society.

Given that our society has been used to associating heroic deeds with something lofty or even involving blood shed, it is also equally important to promote higher social recognition of people who have made extraordinary contributions at an ordinary post or those who have been a model in upholding social virtues.

The true spirit of heroes will be instilled in every citizen when it is deemed to be not too lofty an ideal.

(China Daily 10/18/2007 page9)