The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government held an official ceremony on Sunday to pay tribute to those who died in the defense of Hong Kong between 1941 and 1945.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu laid a wreath at the ceremony which began at 8am at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden in Central district.

The national anthem was played and a flag-raising ceremony was held before participants observed a two-minute silence.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Lee urged everyone to learn from the lessons of history, cherish and protect peace and stability, and continue striving for the future of Hong Kong. 

Also present at the ceremony were Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and other senior officials.