In response to the national emulation programme, many role models have emerged from all spheres of life and age groups, helping to realise socio-economic development targets, said Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh.
The oldest representative is 71-year-old Vu Van Thuan, a role model of new rural construction in Hai Duong province while the youngest is Huynh Hoang Khanh, a 14-year-old student, who was recognised for his many initiatives at a school in Hau Giang.
Other exemplary citizens include Tran Ngoc Luong, a doctor who has devised a new operation technique and Dang Viet Ai, a 71-year-old painter who drove an old scooter over 35,000 kilometres throughout the country to paint the portraits of 1,474 heroic Vietnamese mothers.
In his speech, General Secretary Trong expressed his admiration for the remarkable feats of those attending the ceremony, affirming that there are still many other role models from all walks of life that are yet to be recognised.
He said behind each honoured citizen is a sense of patriotism and love for their compatriots, a determination to enrich themselves and the homeland, and a will to master new technologies and improve work productivity.
The Party leader urged those honoured not be content with their achievements but to make even greater efforts to continue being examples for others to follow.
Citing President Ho Chi Minh, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong affirmed that a living example is much more valuable than one hundred propaganda speeches and called on the authorities to make the emulation programme a substantive movement and driver of national modernisation and industrialisation.
