Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu called on people across society to put their love for the country and the city into action on Thursday as the special administrative region marked the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth.

Lee said to learn from Sun’s devotion to the nation and carry forward his vision of its revitalization was “the best way to commemorate him”, addressing a ceremony held by the SAR government to mark the occasion at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun, on Hong Kong Island’s waterfront.

The CE laid flowers at Sun’s bronze statue and led gathered participants in a bow of respect.

Sun had dedicated his life to China’s democratic revolution, leaving an indelible mark on the Chinese nation’s history, he said.

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Sun, who was born on Nov 12, 1866, and died in March 1925, is widely regarded by the Chinese people as a great pioneer of China’s democratic revolution for his leading role in the 1911 Revolution, which put an end to more than 2,000 years of imperial rule.

Every Chinese person, Lee added, should take inspiration from Sun’s devotion to the country, determination to pursue revolutionary resolve and drive for progress — and pass that spirit on.

Lee noted Sun’s deep ties to Hong Kong, pointing to his education in the city as a young man.

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The city cherished these historical ties, Lee said, pledging to ensure young people fully understood this history and reaffirming the SAR government’s resolve to continue broadening patriotic education resources.

Hong Kong’s first five-year plan outlined efforts to strengthen patriotic, national and values education, among other areas, and to nurture talented young people of good character who love the country and the city, have confidence in their culture, uphold sound values and hold a global outlook, he noted.

Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com