As dawn broke over Hong Kong's harbour, City Hall Memorial Garden fell silent for the start of a commemorative ceremony at 8 a.m. on September 3. The event honored the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The program featured a stirring sequence: the national anthem, a flag-raising ceremony, a rifle volley by the Police Rifle Squad, a moment of silence, wreath-laying by the Guard of Honor, and a collective bow in tribute. Each element held deep symbolism for attendees, blending respect for history with a forward-looking spirit.
HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Eric Chan led the ceremony alongside senior officials: Wang Songmiao, secretary general of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Chen Feng, deputy head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Li Yongsheng, deputy commissioner of the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; and Tan Zhiwei, deputy commander-in-chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison. Veterans, youth representatives, and community leaders joined forces to bridge generations in a shared moment of remembrance.
September 3 was formally designated as V-Day by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in February 2014. Since August that year, the HKSAR government has held annual ceremonies to reaffirm the importance of unity and peace, underscoring Hong Kong's role as a global crossroads of cultures and ideas.
For a digitally connected, globally minded generation, these commemorations offer more than a homage to the past: they serve as a reminder that collective memory can inspire action toward a more peaceful world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
