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The Olympic torch is carrying through Leshan, Sichuan province.
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There was a minute of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the earthquake.
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There was a minute of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the earthquake. Then the relay-- on its journey of hope and solace -- carried on from Leshan. Along the route deafening shouts of "Rebuild Sichuan! Go China!" were heard continuously.
The relay in Leshan started at Mingshan Pavilion. It went for one and a half hours. The first torch bearer was former Olympic diving champion Gao Min -- who participated in the 24th and 25th Olympics. 185 bearers in Leshan carried the torch over a distance of 7.5 kilometers. The last torch bearer was Tan Guoqiang, one of the heroes of the Sichuan disaster. The primary school where he was headmaster was at the quake's epicenter in Wenchuan. Tan organized effective rescue efforts in the wake of the catastrophe. Monday, he ignited the cauldron in Yingbin Square on Emei Mountain.
The relay took on a special significance in Sichuan -- where so many lives were lost and so many towns devastated in the earthquake. As those lining the route responded with their shouts of "Go China! Go Olympics! Rebuild Sichuan", the torch helped re-ignite the spirt and courage of people who face the work of rebuilding their homes and communities.
