Military officer Chen Hongjun died in a border skirmish with Indian military last year. His royalty and heroism won him a July 1 Medal, awarded by the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

In a gesture to pay tribute to Chen, three artists sculpted statues for him, based on photos and inspired by news coverage, at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing on July 27.

The event is part of a regular public program at NAMOC, where sculptors are invited to create statues for luminaries in different areas and grassroots heroes who have made contributions to the country and its people.

NAMOC director and sculptor Wu Weishan said years later people will learn about this era not only by books but also sculptures, which will make them feel the devotion of those praised.