There was no shortage of heroes in the GDR. They stood at the forefront of production and won the harvest battle every year. They were awarded many medals and even more tinny phrases. Since 1950, on 7 October, the birthday of the republic, the honorary title ‘Hero of Labour’ was awarded, along with a bonus of 10,000 marks. This honour was bestowed on workers and collectives from factories as well as high-ranking state officials.