More than 150 people braved the rain in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung District on Saturday to attend a solemn wreath-laying ceremony honoring the martyrs who fought to defend the city against Japanese aggression during the Second World War.

Organized by the Society of Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, the event began at a memorial garden at Tsam Chuk Wan at 10 am, attended by surviving veterans, officials from the central and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region governments, members of the legislative and district councils, and representatives of community groups.

The tribute coincided with the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The participants sang the national anthem, observed a moment of silence and bowed before the memorial monument, laying wreaths in tribute to the fallen soldiers. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented a floral wreath bearing the inscription, “The spirits of the anti-Japanese martyrs live on”.

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A surviving veteran said she hopes the younger generation would learn from wartime history, and continue to fight for the great cause of national rejuvenation. Youth participants echoed the same sentiments, noting that honoring the martyrs on the anniversary of Japan’s surrender carried a profound meaning for patriotic education.

Among those in attendance Xie Zhixiang, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen and Legislative Council members.