To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Second Sino-Japanese War and World anti-fascist War, the HKSAR Government is preparing a series of activities.
According to a report on Hong Kong Dagong Wenhui website on the 24th, the“Patriotic education working group” under the“Steering Committee on the promotion of the Constitution and the Basic Law” held its third meeting on the 23rd, to discuss the overall work plan for activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Eric Chan, the Chief Secretary for Administration, said that in planning a series of commemorative activities, it upholds the four core principles of“Remembering History, remembering the martyrs”, “Highlighting Hong Kong’s contribution to the victory of the War of resistance against Japan”, “Educational activities focusing on the young people” and“Widely mobilising the public to participate”. Highlights included a larger and more solemn memorial ceremony on 3 September at the Victory over Japan Day to honour the martyrs who defended their country. The Hong Kong Museum of History and the Museum of anti-japanese War and coastal defence are jointly organising large-scale thematic exhibitions with the National Museum of China and Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History respectively. The exhibitions, which are expected to be launched at the end of August this year, will comprehensively showcase the history of the anti-japanese war, to enhance public awareness of history and national pride. From late August to early September, the Hong Kong film archive (HKFA) , the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will jointly organise film programmes to offer free Second Sino-Japanese War films to the public.
In addition, the Tourism Commission and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department are upgrading the routes with historical significance of the anti-japanese war, including the Shing Mun and Luk Keng War trails, and in different locations set up graphics and text interpretation and two-dimensional code information board to promote different themes of the characteristic depth of tourism.
Youth education and popular participation are important directions. Eric Chan said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government would organise youth exchange groups on the theme of the anti-japanese war, and launch field visits and study programmes to tie in with the local history of the anti-japanese war, it is expected that at least 100 primary and secondary schools will be provided with guided tours of exhibitions and various learning experiences. The HKSAR Government will also support local organisations in organising activities to commemorate the victory of the anti-japanese war, such as holding seminars for veterans of the anti-japanese war and inviting them to talk about the history of the war.
Eric Chan said that during the Second Sino-Japanese War period, Hong Kong soldiers not only fought bravely against the enemy, but also made use of their unique geographical environment to fully support the War of resistance in terms of materials. They also rescued stranded cultural figures and members of the Allied forces many times, has made great contributions to supporting the motherland’s anti-japanese war. “The history of Second Sino-Japanese War victory is not only a great victory for the national spirit, but also a journey for Hong Kong and the country to fight side by side for victory,” said Starry Lee, head of the Working Group on patriotic education, i hope that through various activities, the public can learn more about this period of history, carry forward the spirit of patriotism and contribute to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the country.
The chief executive, Donald John Lee, said earlier that during the Second Sino-Japanese War period, Hong Kong became an important channel and transportation artery for the delivery of supplies to the motherland and allied forces. The blood of Hong Kong people and our compatriots is thicker than water. In times of national tragedy, we are united in our efforts to resist the enemy and protect our country. He stressed the need to learn from history, cherish peace, continue the feelings and national spirit of our forefathers, inherit their aspirations for a strong country and nation, and continue to unite as one, to make greater contributions to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.