Lei Feng Remembrance Day: Spirit of altruism and dedication live on after half a century

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It's been said that only the good die young. Many who knew Chinese philanthropist Lei Feng speak highly of his good deeds and willingness to help his fellow man. Today is China's national Remembrance Day of Lei Feng- a PLA soldier, who died when he was only 21. Yet his spirit lives on. CGTN reporter Feng Yilei takes us to the town of Fushun, where Lei spent the last years of his life.

Nearly six decades after Chinese military hero Lei Feng's death, the name is still remembered as a role model of dedication and selflessness. But for 66-year-old Sun Guiqin, Lei Feng was much more. He was her after-school tutor, and also a close friend of students at her primary school.

"He was a common soldier but his energy and virtue impacted us all. I came from a poor miners' family. It was him who taught me to save diligently and sew my torn socks hand by hand."

Photos of the harsh old days remain fresh in Sun Guiqin's memory and that's just a small part of Lei Feng's philanthropic efforts. Qiao Anshan, Lei Feng's comrade-in-arms, says the orphaned young man treated him as his blood brother-teaching him basic literacy, techniques, and using his money to help his sick mother.

QIAO ANSHAN LEI FENG'S COMRADE-IN-ARMS "Once we were struggling to drive our cars up a steep hill. Suddenly he noticed some villagers having difficulties moving their cargo. He asked me to stop by and led me to help them bring their stuff down the hill. That was him. He helped anyone he saw that was in need."

In the days since Lei Feng's untimely passing, Qiao told his story to many. It was even made into a popular movie. And the beneficiaries of the folk hero are dedicated to passing on his spirit which evolves over time.

ZHAO RUOHAN, STUDENT LEI FENG PRIMARY SCHOOL "Virtues like being helpful, kind-hearted and thoughtful."

As people commemorate Lei Feng across China, many believe his spirit still matters today, to counter money-worship, apathy, and lack of trust.

FENG YILEI FUSHUN, LIAONING PROVINCE "For many others nowadays, paying tribute to Lei Feng is not shown through commemorative events that take place once a year. Instead, that voluntary spirit has become an essential part of their daily routine."

Pan Baojun's team, named after Lei Feng, has been providing pedicures and haircuts for the disadvantaged in Fushun for years.

PAN BAOJUN, LEADER LAOPANTOU LEARN-FROM-LEIFENG VOLUNTEER TEAM "We have far better living standards now and should be more able to help people in need, just like what Lei Feng did."

For these voluntary workers learning from Lei Feng, collective interests are not their only pursuit. They also get a smile on each other's face. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Fushun, Liaoning province.