Echoes of the nation’s Victory Day parade continued to resonate across the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday, with scholars, young people and community leaders saying they believe the event will have a profound influence on spreading world peace and on the development of Hong Kong’s youth.

The grand military procession was held at Beijing’s Tian'anmen Square on Wednesday morning, marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Tam Yiu-chung, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and a former Hong Kong delegate to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said the parade conveyed the message to the world that peace should be cherished and harmonious development should be pursued, rather than propagating hatred.

READ MORE: HK delegation to V-Day parade hails national strength

Tam, who was invited to Beijing to witness the parade, said that the weaponry displayed during the march was considerably more advanced than it was 10 years ago, when a similar parade was held to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in the global war against fascism, and that the grand gathering had showcased to the world the nation’s distinguished organizational capabilities and standards.

The event has let the world know that China possesses the capabilities to safeguard its national unity and territorial integrity, and is keen to join hands with peoples from all nations in building a community with a shared future for humanity, Tam said.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant to the Chinese Association for Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told China Daily that the parade had shown that China is a military giant, and has the capabilities to withstand foreign oppression.

Images of the parade, which were beamed around the world, have made a powerful impression, and could serve to attract the cooperation of more countries and regions in the future, said Lau, who is also a professor emeritus of sociology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).

For youngsters in Hong Kong, the parade would strengthen their cohesion with the Chinese mainland, and could also serve as good material for patriotic education, he added.

Angus Ng Hok-ming, chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Association, suggested that the HKSAR government could make full use of the parade and other commemorative events to enhance history education, and students’ knowledge of the war against Japanese aggression could be further improved through exhibitions and seminars.

Ng said that patriotic education can be promoted through more innovative approaches, such as short videos, social media posts and online interactions. More exchange platforms between the HKSAR and the mainland should be established, which could provide Hong Kong youngsters with internship opportunities in various industries within Greater Bay Area to help them learn about the nation’s progress, he added.

“The significant meaning of this military parade, aside from showcasing military strength, is to pay tribute to our predecessors and to cherish peace, which is the most important message,” said Bonnie Williamson, a Hong Kong-based commentator and a member of China Retold, a local youth academic group.

The release of 80,000 doves of peace at the end of the parade symbolized the important need to cherish peace, reminding the world of the harm that wars have caused throughout history, and to value the stability and peace we currently enjoy, Williamson said.

Ilnur Minakhmetov, a native Russian who works as a teacher under Education Bureau's Enhanced Native-speaking English Teacher Scheme, told China Daily that the parade was a powerful reminder of the horrors of war. The ceremony was both a commemoration and a call for peace in a turbulent world, he said.

For Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, this was the third time he had watched the nation’s military parade in person. Choi said the spirit of self-renewal and relentless self-improvement has inspired the Chinese people to persevere through adversity, and to strive for a brighter future.

The city’s largest labor union, Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), hosted viewing events at 57 venues across the city on Wednesday, attracting the attendance of nearly 2,000 people. FTU Vice-chairman Bill Tang Ka-piu said that the parade was a testament to the nation's strength, and helped residents appreciate their prosperity and the stability that the nation provides.

READ MORE: China stages cultural gala for V-Day commemoration

Tang encouraged young people to strive to contribute to the development of the nation.

Wingco Lo, president of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, also watched the parade in Beijing. He said it is necessary to remember history and to honor the martyrs, adding that he hopes the current patriotic sentiment will serve as a cohesive force that rallies society.

The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong said the parade had highlighted the spirit of the resistance against aggression, and had delineated the direction that the entire nation should take.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com