Lei Feng (雷锋; Léi Fēng) (December 18,1940 - August 15,1962) was a soldier of the People's Liberation Army of the PRC.He was characterized by propaganda as a selfless and modest figure after his death and consequently was an idol to many.
Born in Wangcheng,Hunan (near Leifeng Town,Changsha,Hunan,named in his honour),Lei joined the Communist youth corps when he was very young.Lei died in 1962 at the age of 22,when a telephone pole,struck by an army truck,killed him,when he was directing the truck in backing up.After Lei's death,Mao Zedong began what was to be known as the "Learn from Comrade Lei Feng" (向雷锋同志学习) Campaign,designed to use Lei as a good example to the Chinese people to be cheerfully selfless.
Since,March 5th has become the official "Learn from Lei Feng Day".This day involves various community and school events where people go clean up parks,schools,and other community locations.Local news on that day usually has footage from these events.
In March of 2006,China released a game titled,"Learn From Lei Feng Online," where the player has to do good deeds,fight spies,and collect parts of Mao Zedong's collection.If the player wins,they get to meet Chairman Mao in the game.
