Top leaders pay tribute to heroes of earthquake

Top leaders yesterday paid tribute to heroes of the devastating Sichuan earthquake, calling for the "quake relief spirit" to be kept alive.

President Hu Jintao urged the nation to carry on the spirit of unity, courage and people-first thinking that characterized relief efforts after the May 12 earthquake.

At a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People to honor outstanding organizations and individuals for their relief work, Hu said the spirit should be propagated among the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the public. This would help advance sound and rapid economic and social development, he said.