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Commemorate 50th anniversary of end of Pacific War
Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy McGregor and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Ken Woodhouse, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Reply:
Will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a)
(b)
Mr President,
it will take steps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War in August 1945 and pay tribute to the sacrifice and courage of the people of the territory during the war years; and
it will organise a suitable programme to give thanks for deliverance and to express renewed hope for a peaceful and successful future?
It is our intention that this important anniversary should be suitably commemorated. Arrangements for this are now well advanced. Last year, at the Governor's request, the Commander British Forces established a steering committee to draw up proposals. Its members include the President of the Hong Kong Prisoners of War Association and representatives of the British Forces and the Governement. The Governor has now approved a full programme of events recommended by the committee, and we have sought provision for this in the 1995/96 estimates.
The programme will begin on 28 August. Veterans from all over the world are expected to attend. There will be a commemoration parade, a wreath laying ceremony, a service and a march past by the veterans, the British forces and the Hong Kong disciplined services. The Royal Air Force and the Government Flying Service will stage a fly past. There will also be a lunch for the veterans and guests. Over the remainder of the week, there will be a battlefield tour, visits to significant military sites, such as the cemeteries, Stanley Fort and the former Sham Shui Po prisoner of war camp. The programme will end on 2 September with a parade to mark the disbandment of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (the Volunteers).
End/Wednesday, January 25, 1995