Five of the "most beautiful veterans" honored for their achievements last year, on Tuesday urged fellow ex-service personnel to contribute more to China's development.
It was a dream from childhood to fly into the blue sky for Dai Mingmeng, who became the first Chinese pilot to successfully land on and take off from China's first aircraft carrier, in a J-15 fighter jet in 2012.
Li Wanyan witnessed the historic moment. She remembered that it was a foggy day and soldiers were walking past the minefield singing a song together. "They risked their lives to protect our safety and I don't know what I can do for them to express my gratitude."
For the past 45 years, a stationary Chinese regiment has been patrolling the border area, braving strong wind and heavy snow, at the foot of Qomolangma in Tibet autonomous region.
