Excitement grows in HK over Beijing's V-Day parade

Representatives from the Hong Kong community are filled with a sense of anticipation about the grand parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) that will be held in Beijing on Wednesday, saying it will serve as a demonstration of both the nation's defense prowess and its determination to preserve peace.

The V-Day military procession, scheduled to start at 9 am in Tian'anmen Square, will feature a march-past of troops involving 45 formations and echelons. A 360-member delegation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, will attend.

Among the delegates is Hong Kong lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun. She said the streets of Beijing are adorned with beautiful decorations, which enhance the commemorative atmosphere. National security is vital for development, she said, adding that a robust military protects China from the threat of war.

Leung said that Chinese people cherish peace because they have experienced the hardships of war, adding that she is confident that by strengthening its military prowess, China will make substantial contributions to global peace.

Angus Ng Hok-ming, chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Association who is also part of the delegation, said he believes the magnificence of the parade will fill him with national pride. He said the younger generation should perform their duties to the country and pledged to share his insights with peers back in Hong Kong, adding that he hopes the nation's thriving growth will motivate more young people to contribute to national development.

Celebratory events, exhibitions and seminars are taking place across Hong Kong to mark the victory in the war against Japanese aggression, and to pay tribute to martyrs and highlight the nation's progress.

Speed skater Sidney Chu, 25, said he is keen to watch the parade on TV. He said that the event will not only showcase the nation's achievements, but will also underscore its commitment to peace and security.

Chu said he believes that the young generation, including athletes like himself, will draw inspiration from the nation's progress and pursue excellence in their fields with confidence, thereby adding to the nation's prestige.

Choi Kwok-hung, a 61-year-old property management professional, made a long trip from his home in Tin Shui Wai to the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence on Tuesday to visit an exhibition focused on the history of resistance in Guangdong province and Hong Kong during wartime.

The exhibition is divided into three sections, detailing the fall of Guangdong and Hong Kong, the valiant resistance in these regions and the triumph in the war of resistance. It also features around 40 wartime artifacts, including silver rings awarded to people who served in the Zhongshan People's Anti-Japanese Volunteer Battalion in November 1944, as well as a book authored by renowned Chinese writer Guo Moruo, titled Understanding the Total War of Resistance — one of Guangzhou's representative anti-war cultural works.

An avid history buff since his school days — especially in Chinese history — Choi has been eagerly anticipating the parade. He stressed the importance of observing the latest military technology and of understanding the deeper significance it holds as a demonstration of the nation's capacity for self-defense.

Retired educator Iris Leung, who had previously visited the museum, said she returned especially to see this exhibition. Leung said she plans to participate in the city's commemorative event at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden on Wednesday morning and then watch the parade on TV at home.

Leung said she hopes the various events can provide young people with insights into China's history and help them understand how their ancestors bravely faced adversity and made many sacrifices to protect the nation.