Bureau replaces war medal that veteran lost

A 92-year-old veteran in Beijing received a new medal on Sunday after losing his memorial medal from the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) at a tourist attraction.

The veteran, Liu Tingzhu, is a retiree living in Beijing and was a Chinese People's Volunteers soldier who took part in the war 70 years ago. Liu accidentally lost the medal while visiting the Summer Palace on Saturday.

The story about Liu's loss drew widespread attention and millions of reposts on Sina Weibo after his granddaughter posted a message on the platform seeking help.

After learning about the problem, the bureau of veteran affairs in Beijing offered Liu a new medal, and he received it at his home on Sunday night.

One of his family members said he is extremely delighted, and what the bureau offered is more than just a medal-the happiness from receiving it could help promote his longevity.

Jin Gang, an official of the bureau, said though Heilongjiang province, where Liu is from, should have handled the issue-as the medal was granted by the province-the bureau in Beijing wanted to help the veteran since he now lives in the capital.

"The country is very considerate when granting the medals, and as there are a few extra ones that were made, we gave one of them to Liu." Jin explained. "If the missing medal is found, the replacement should be returned."

The medals were recently presented to living veterans and other personnel in the name of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission as China marks the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to help in the war to resist US aggression.