习近平回信勉励“模范空降兵连”全体官兵 弘扬光荣传统 苦练过硬本领 努力锻造敢打必胜的空降利刃

新华社北京7月31日电　中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平近日给“模范空降兵连”全体官兵回信，对他们予以亲切勉励，并致以八一建军节的祝贺。

习近平在回信中表示，你们以黄继光老班长为榜样，传承英雄精神，争做英雄传人，实现全面进步，连队常年保持先进，我为你们取得的成绩感到高兴。希望你们牢记使命，珍惜荣誉，弘扬光荣传统，砥砺血性胆魄，苦练过硬本领，努力锻造敢打必胜的空降利刃，为党和人民再立新功。

“模范空降兵连”是一支具有光荣传统的英雄连队，涌现出以特级英雄黄继光为代表的一批功臣模范。该连长期坚持学传统、爱传统、讲传统，始终保持冲锋姿态，完成一系列重大任务，连续几十年保持先进。2013年，习近平签署中央军委命令，授予该连“模范空降兵连”荣誉称号。2014年古田全军政治工作会议期间，习近平接见该连时任指导员，对全连官兵表示亲切问候。近日，连队全体官兵给习主席写信，汇报近年来思想和工作情况，表达牢记嘱托、不辱使命、再创佳绩的信念和决心。

Xi replies to letter from Chinese paratroopers

President Xi Jinping has called on Chinese paratroopers to carry on their glorious tradition, sharpen their skills, and strive to forge a blade-like force that is ready to fight and able to win.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a letter replying to the paratroopers of a model airborne company and extended festive greetings to them, ahead of China's Army Day, which falls on Aug. 1.

In the reply letter, Xi said he is pleased to learn about the progress the company has achieved and expressed the hope that the paratroopers remain committed to their mission, honor their fine tradition, boost their courage, sharpen their skills and make new contributions to the Party and the people.

The company, known for a number of heroic model soldiers in its history including Huang Jiguang who sacrificed his life in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953), has accomplished a series of important missions and maintained its excellence for decades.

In 2013, Xi granted the company the title of "model airborne company" and, at a 2014 meeting with the company's then political instructor, he extended amiable greetings to officers and soldiers of the whole company.