You Are Models for the Whole Nation

#PUBLICATION NOTE

This edition of You Are Models for the Whole Nation has been translated, prepared, and revised for digital publication by the Institute of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism under the Central Committee of the Communist Party in Switzerland on the basis of the following edition: You Are Models for the Whole Nation, in the Selected Works of Mao Zedong, First English Edition, Vol. 5, Foreign Languages Press, Beijing, 1977.

#INTRODUCTION NOTE

This is the opening address delivered by Comrade Mao Zedong at the National Conference of Combat Heroes and of Model Workers in Industry, Agriculture, and the Army convened by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the 25th of September, 1950. It was first published in the Renmin Ribao (26th of September, 1950).

#Workers and oppressed people of the world, unite!

#YOU ARE MODELS FOR THE WHOLE NATION

#OPENING ADDRESS AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF COMBAT HEROES AND OF MODEL WORKERS IN INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE, AND THE ARMY

#Mao Zedong

#25th of September, 1950

#★

Comrade Delegates to the National Conference of Combat Heroes and of Model Workers in Industry, Agriculture, and the Army:

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sends your conference warm greetings and wishes to thank and salute you for the work you have done.

You have overcome a host of difficulties and hardships and demonstrated immense courage, wisdom, and enthusiasm in the struggle to wipe out the enemy and in the struggle to restore and increase industrial and agricultural production. You are models for the whole Chinese nation, activists propelling the people's cause forward to triumph in all spheres of endeavour, a firm pillar of support to the People's Government, and a bridge linking the People's Government with the masses.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China calls on the whole Party and nation to learn from you and, at the same time, calls on you, dear comrade delegates, and on all the combat heroes and model workers of the country, to keep on learning through struggle and from the masses. Only by guarding against conceit and complacency and continuing to learn tirelessly can you go on making outstanding contributions to the great People's Republic of China and thus live up to your names.

China must build a powerful national defence force and a powerful economy — two tasks of major importance. Fulfilment of these tasks depends on you comrades forging close ties of unity and making concerted efforts together with all the commanders and fighters of the People's Liberation Army and all the workers, peasants, and other sections of the people. As the first anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is approaching, your meeting here is of signal importance. We wish you success in your conference and great victories in your work in the days to come.