Lei Feng was a soldier of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and is now a household name and cultural icon in China symbolizing selflessness, modesty, and dedication.
Lei died in August 1962 at the age of 22, when a telephone pole, struck by an army truck, hit him while he was directing the truck in backing up.
On March 5, 1963, Chairman Mao Zedong initiated the "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng" campaign and encouraged the youth in China to follow his example. March 5 has since become the official "Learn from Lei Feng Day".
Video: Yu Yue
Voiceover: Chris Clark
Producer: Flora Yue