China issues Lei Feng stamps

A stamp collector from Jiangsu province shows stamps that mark the 50th anniversary of late Chairman Mao Zedong's call of "learning from Lei Feng," the country's most famous Good Samaritan, March 5, 2013.[Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - China on Tuesday issued stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of late Chairman Mao Zedong's call of "learning from Lei Feng," the country's most famous Good Samaritan.

Besides stamps, there are other philatelic products to mark the anniversary including commemorative envelopes and comic books, according to a China National Philatelic Corporation statement.

Lei, a young Chinese soldier in the 1960s, is known for devoting his spare time and money to helping the needy. He died aged 22 after being hit by a falling pole while helping a fellow soldier direct a truck on August 15, 1962.

A year later, Chairman Mao called on the country to follow Lei's example, and March 5 every year is designated "Lei Feng Day."