A citywide exhibition week commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the war against Japanese aggression kicked off in Hong Kong on Monday, with lawmakers and officials hoping it will help youths learn about the county’s contribution and elevate their sense of patriotism.
Organized by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), a series of educational exhibitions under the theme of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, will run until Sept 7.
The exhibitions, taking place simultaneously in all 18 districts of Hong Kong, feature easy-to-understand introductions to the war, as well as the resistance history of the Hong Kong Independent Battalion — a guerrilla force led by the Communist Party of China — including the battalion’s mobile and flexible tactics against the Japanese army, and their efforts in rescuing Allied prisoners and pilots.
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Addressing the launching ceremony at Pui Kiu Middle School on Monday afternoon, lawmaker and DAB chairman Gary Chan Hak-kan said that the war against Japanese aggression was a major chapter of the world’s Anti-Fascist War. The city’s youths should understand that personal growth is closely linked to the fate of the country, said Chan, adding that young people should carry on the spirit of martyrs, love the country and Hong Kong, and give full play to the spirit of perseverance.
Undersecretary for Education Jeff Sze Chun-fai said the education on the war against Japanese aggression has always been an important part of history education.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory, Sze said the bureau has launched seminars, lectures, delegations, and film screenings to help students better understand history and the nation’s development.
"I hope students can equip themselves well and contribute to the continuous development of the country,” Sze said, adding that remembering history is to learn from it and cherish peace.
Chu Kwok-keung, who represents the education sector in the legislature, told China Daily that these activities can positively help students and teachers learn more about the country’s history, and feel the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation, as well as cultivating a sense of identity, belonging and responsibility towards the country.
Chu stressed that patriotism is not only something to display on specific occasions, but an emotion that should always be present. He said he believed that visiting such exhibitions can serve as the first step to let students actively learn more about it.
China will hold a military parade in Beijing’s Tian'anmen Square on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the war against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
On Monday, a 360-strong Hong Kong delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu set out for Beijing to attend the parade and related commemorative activities.
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The delegation includes principal government officials, representatives from the Judiciary, the Legislative Council, District Councils, veterans who participated in the war and their descendants, and representatives from all walks of life.
The Hong Kong SAR will hold an official ceremony on Wednesday at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden to commemorate the victory of the war, and honor the martyrs and residents who lost their lives in the war.
The SAR has also arranged a series of events to mark the special occasion and deepen the public's understanding of wartime history and the significance of the victory. The events include exhibitions of artifacts and photos, guided tours to wartime relics, seminars and workshops, film screenings and artistic performances.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
