Events are a time to recognize workers

Among the most eye-catching sights of the over 100,000 people attending the pageantry along the Chang'an Avenue was a group of express delivery workers riding electric bikes, blending in with sanitation workers and bus drivers.

They created one of the 36 formations for the pageantry, which was part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Farmers wearing straw hats created another formation, while construction workers wearing white helmets, a more than obvious identifying token, took their places in the stands to share in the joy of the celebration.

I heard cries of surprise from the crowds over the fact the above groups, perhaps the least vocal among all trades, were being invited to such a historic event.

Indeed, their work is so common and humble that some of us have never spared a minute to think about what our lives would be like without them. But that does not mean they are negligible.

Perhaps it is time for us to reconsider what the true meaning of a nation's anniversary is all about.

Yes, it is time to remember the heroes who have made extraordinary sacrifices, even their lives, for the good of the public and to recollect our past treasures in history for a better future.

At the same time, we cannot afford to ignore the unsung heroes or take them for granted.

Express delivery workers, sanitation workers and construction workers, a majority of whom are migrants from rural areas, have made tremendous contributions in making urban life so much better and work so much easier. Their contributions have long been undervalued.

However, steps have been taken to improve their situation.

As the country moves forward with its reform and opening-up, we have seen more cities scrapping household restrictions on migrant workers, which would enable more of them to have access to medical care and education as urban residents.

Just as President Xi Jinping put it during his meeting with representatives of the players and coaches of the Chinese women's volleyball team on Monday, greatness is bred from ordinary work.

The inclusion of those who hold the more ordinary jobs in society, such as express delivery workers, sent a clear signal that their contributions have never been ignored, and we as a nation, value efforts made by each individual.