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 platitudes. Since 1950, the honorary title of »Hero of Labour« had been awarded on 7 October, the Republic's birthday, along with a bonus of 10,000 marks. This honour was bestowed upon workers and collectives from the factories as well as high-ranking state officials.