Hong Kong is to start holding annual ceremonies to commemorate the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, the special administrative region's goverment announced on Tuesday.

The decision comes after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress designated Sept 3 as Victory Day for the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and Dec 13 as Nanjing Massacre Memorial Day.

Activities in honor of those who died and the resistance against Japanese aggression will be held annually on Sept 3.

Memorial activities on Dec 13 will commemorate the victims of the Nanjing Massacre and others who were killed during the Japanese invasion. They are also meant to express the resolve of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and world peace.

On Sept 3, the Hong Kong government will hold a ceremony at City Hall Memorial Garden. In attendance will be the chief executive, senior government officials, judicial officers, members of the Legislative Council, representatives of war veteran groups and members of the community.

The ceremony will include the singing of the national anthem, a gun salute, a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths.

The government will also hold a ceremony on Nanjing Massacre Memorial Day, with details to be announced later.

An official ceremony to commemorate those who died in the defense of Hong Kong will continue to be held during the Chongyang Festival, which is on Oct 2 this year.

(China Daily 08/27/2014 page4)