During a recent national medal and honors ceremony, General Secretary Xi Jinping highlighted the critical need to seize opportunities, embrace responsibility, and strive for excellence. He called on attendees to pursue greatness in their everyday roles while addressing the challenges of development and reform, all while ensuring social harmony and stability. Even as the country celebrated the 75th anniversary of New China, many ordinary citizens remained on the front lines, showcasing their loyalty, dedication, and sincerity in making remarkable contributions to the rich fabric of contemporary China.
To transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, one must hold onto a steadfast belief, unwavering like “a mountain that stands firm against the storm.” Without spirit, individuals lack direction, a nation struggles to thrive, and a political party cannot flourish. Party members and officials should cultivate lofty ideals and commit themselves to their chosen causes for life. Take Wang Jicai as an example: this national role model spent 32 years safeguarding a remote island, raising the national flag daily, patrolling the shores, documenting his experiences, and combating smuggling and illegal entry. He truly embodies the spirit of “sacrificing for the greater good.” Similarly, Wang Yongzhi, awarded the Republic Medal, dedicated his life to serving the nation, achieving significant milestones in missile development, satellite launches, and contributing to China’s space station over six decades. These individuals illuminate the path of progress through their dreams and unwavering dedication to protect their great motherland over the last 75 years.
Moreover, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary requires a relentless pursuit, reminiscent of “the silk of the silkworm is exhausted only when it dies.” Success isn’t achieved overnight, and true heroes don’t materialize out of thin air. In the face of numerous challenges, party members and officials must embody perseverance and the determination of a “foolish man moving mountains” to ensure consistent progress in serving both the people and the times. For instance, Lu Shengmei, affectionately known as the “cave doctor,” has quietly fulfilled her five-decade commitment to the people of Jia County from her post in Beijing. Another notable example is Xu Zhengchao, a dockworker turned industry model, whose dedication to serving the country through his skills reflects the strength of Chinese laborers. It is this focused commitment and selflessness from ordinary people across various fields that have fueled China’s remarkable journey over the past 75 years.
Lastly, to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, one must embrace the unfaltering effort symbolized by “gold emerges only after the sand is blown away.” The impressive achievements of New China over the last 75 years have arisen from the collective efforts and struggles of the Party and its people. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of China’s lunar exploration program, which has made significant technological strides and scientific discoveries through international collaboration. From ambitious plans to their realization, China has forged a path for high-quality lunar exploration marked by self-reliance, resilience, and practical progress. The road ahead is long, and only through tireless effort will success be achieved. As the country advances further into reforms aimed at building a modern Chinese state, every party member and official must demonstrate a strong commitment, hone their skills, and boldly contribute to the nation’s development and rejuvenation. Together, we can confidently embark on this magnificent journey.
