Challenges of new era call for more everyday heroes

Although the 42 recipients of national medals and honorary titles were disclosed on Sept 18, the awards ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sunday, still moved many who saw it to tears.

Blending into the bigger backdrop of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, those who received the awards with staggering steps or unbending stature in wheelchairs, along with those unable to attend the ceremony, were honored for their extraordinary achievements and the "greatness that comes out of the ordinary" as President Xi Jinping said in his remarks.

As Xi observed, "every ordinary person can have an extraordinary life" and the awards were recognition of the recipients' dedication to their work and their humbleness in making huge sacrifices without pursuing fame or self-interest.