In front of the monument in commemoration of the martyrs died in the war, representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), the Office of Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR and the local community, presented wreaths for the martyrs.

Some old soldiers who joined the anti-Japanese war during Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in 1941-1945 were also present at the ceremony.

Lo Yiu Fai, who used to fight against the Japanese invasion, said he has attended the ceremony in marking the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan every year since Hong Kong's return to China in 1997.

Lo, in his 70s, said he is proud that China is getting strong and that Hong Kong has returned to the motherland.

Recalling the hard years of the country, Lo said today's achievement is hard earned and it is significant to educate the younger generation and let them remember the history and contribute to the prosperity of the motherland.

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2002)