Hong Kong Honors Anti-Japanese War Martyrs in Ceremony

Hong Kong held a solemn memorial ceremony on August 15 to honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the city during the Chinese Anti-Japanese War, marking the 81st anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender in World War II. The event, organized by the Association of Former Guerrilla Fighters of the East River Column’s Hong Kong-Kowloon Independent Brigade, drew more than 150 attendees from across society at the Sai Kung Tsam Chuk Wan Martyrs’ Memorial Park, according to Xinhua News.

A Solemn Tribute

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a moment of silence as attendees faced the national flag. Participants then laid flowers and bowed in respect before the monument, where dozens of wreaths bearing the words “Anti-Japanese War martyrs are immortal” were placed. The morning’s rain shower had passed, leaving the memorial park in a quiet, solemn atmosphere.

The Sai Kung Tsam Chuk Wan Anti-Japanese War Martyrs’ Monument, built in 1988, stands 20 meters tall with a rifle-shaped design symbolizing armed resistance. In September 2020, it was listed among the third batch of National-Level War Memorial Facilities and Sites by China’s State Council, as documented by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong.

Voices of Remembrance

Lin Zhen, president of the Association of Former Guerrilla Fighters of the East River Column’s Hong Kong-Kowloon Independent Brigade, recalled the historic moment of victory with deep emotion. She urged the younger generation to “cherish the current peaceful environment, study diligently, strengthen their bodies, cultivate strong willpower, and firmly believe in defending the country,” as reported by China News Service.

Luo Jinghui, a former fighter of the brigade who is now over 90 years old and serves as vice president of the association, called on everyone to “not forget the past and to carry forward the spirit of the martyrs, contributing to national prosperity and Hong Kong’s development.”

Fong Kwok-shan, a Hong Kong SAR Legislative Council member, emphasized the importance of educating Hong Kong’s youth about wartime history. “Hong Kong’s younger generation should fully understand the harm that Japan’s invasion of China brought to the country and Hong Kong,” she said. “We should continue to hold various forms of anti-Japanese war history education activities and persistently convey the memory of the Anti-Japanese War to Hong Kong youth.”

A Personal Connection to History

Zhang Chuyi, a Hong Kong student from Sai Kung, shared a deeply personal connection to the wartime struggle. “My great-grandfather and grandfather were both anti-Japanese fighters,” he said. “I’ve heard their war stories since I was young, so I especially understand how hard-won today’s national prosperity is.” His great-grandfather, Zhang Tang, was a member of the East River Column’s Hong Kong-Kowloon Independent Brigade.

Wu Jinxia, a student from Tseung Kwan O Government Secondary School, expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of previous generations. “Participating in this memorial event made me understand that it was the martyrs’ bloody battles that brought Hong Kong today’s peaceful and stable life,” she said.

Historical Significance

The Hong Kong-Kowloon Independent Brigade was formally established on February 3, 1942, in Sai Kung’s Wong Mo Ying Village Church, as a Communist Party of China-led anti-Japanese guerrilla force composed mainly of Hong Kong citizens. During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong from December 1941 to August 1945, it was the only organized armed force that persisted in resistance throughout the occupation, according to the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office.

The brigade was divided into five units and had over 300 members, of whom more than 60 sacrificed their lives. Their achievements included suppressing bandits and traitors, rescuing cultural elites stranded in Hong Kong, and supporting Allied operations.

National Commemorations

Across mainland China, similar commemorative activities were held on August 15. The Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression held a themed educational activity called “Carrying Forward the Glory of Victory,” while memorial events took place in Hulin, Heilongjiang; Shenyang; Zhijiang, Hunan; and other locations. New evidence of Japanese aggression was also released, including documents from the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and the Unit 731 Exhibition Hall, as reported by CCTV News.

Looking Forward

The ceremony reflects Hong Kong’s continued commitment to preserving and honoring its wartime history. With over 100 anti-Japanese war heritage sites across the territory, and growing attention to education about this period, the legacy of those who fought to defend Hong Kong continues to resonate with new generations. As Hong Kong’s wartime history gains increasing recognition, the martyrs’ sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the value of peace and the importance of remembering the past.