Events were launched across Shandong province to award commemorative medals to Communist Party of China (CPC) members bearing five decades of Party membership.

Eligible recipients are CPC members who have been Party members for 50 full years or longer as of July 1 and who have consistently performed well in their roles.

The awarding of such honors is the first time it has occurred in China and comes as part of celebrations of the CPC's centenary this year.

Set to last until July 1, about 639,000 CPC members across Shandong province will receive the medals, according to officials.

The medals, measuring 50 mm in diameter, are made of copper-zinc alloy and come in hues of red and gold, bearing Chinese characters that translate to "Glorious 50 years as a CPC member."

In the future, the commemorative medal awarding is slated to take place once a year, usually around July 1, the anniversary of the CPC's founding.

"I have been a member of the CPC for more than 70 years. I have witnessed with my own eyes the brilliant achievements of the new China led by the Communist Party and the earth shaking changes that have been achieved in our lives," said Rong Shiyou, a senior Party member who is over 80 years old.

Rong, who lives in Shizhong district, Jinan, recently received the medal.

Wu Yanggen, 90, joined the New Fourth Army when he was young. He took part in many battles during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the War of Liberation (1946-49).

"I sincerely thank the CPC Central Committee for its care for us old Party members," said Wu when he received the medal.

"Generations of Chinese Communists have fought tenaciously for national independence and liberation, for prosperity and strength of the country, and for the happiness of the people," added Wu.

Xinhua contributed to the story.