On visiting an exhibition on the Long March, I was surprised to see that so many "unknown heroes" were associated with the historic event.

It is hard for us to commemorate all of them individually. Some of them are just known by names - their photographs are not available even in archives. This is where the media's role is important. The media are supposed to bring long-lost names and faces to readers' notice, and that is what China Daily always does.

I did not know the names of many Long March heroes until I read an article on one of them in China Daily.

On another note, I've always been allergic to pollen during spring in Beijing. But the problem has diminished in recent years, and I no longer feel the symptoms that strongly.

I did not know why or how such a change had come about until I read a report in China Daily. The report not only said that the authorities had taken steps to eliminate the pollen problem, but also published photographs of the people who initiated the project.

I appreciate what China Daily has been doing for three decades, and I wish it a happy birthday on its 30th anniversary.

Cem AYGN, via e-mail

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.

(China Daily 06/03/2011 page9)