15.
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"The programme will end on September 2 with disbandment parades in Wan Chai and Gallipoli Lines to mark the disbandment of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (Volunteers) after 140 years of distinguished service to Hong Kong," Mr Wong said.
Also present at today's conference were Colonel Howard Bentley-Marchant, Deputy Chief of Staff, HQ British Forces; Lieutenant Colonel Kestrel Simson, Commanding Officer, Royal HK Regiment (The Volunteers); Lieutenant Commander Bob Wilson, Project Officer of the Anniversary Programmes; and Mr Arthur Gomes, Chairman of the Hong Kong Prisoner of War Association.
"The 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is of special significance to people all over the world. Programmes of thanksgiving and remembrance to mark the end of the war have taken place in many countries of the world.
"The Government felt that this important anniversary should be suitably commemorated in order to pay tribute to the sacrifice and courage of the people of the territory during the war," Mr Wong said.
To commemorate these important events, a joint Hong Kong Government Garrison steering committee was established last year to plan and co-ordinate various commemorating activities.
A budget of $740,000 has been allocated for the programme to provide for transportation and refreshment for the veterans. The amount of the budget is sufficient to cover essential expenditure of the activities planned, without being excessive.
"We believe that the programme is suitable and it is entirely appropriate that Hong Kong should pay tribute to all those who have passed through a dreadful period in the history of Hong Kong. We believe that the people of Hong Kong will see it as proper expression of respect and gratitude for the events of 1945," Mr Wong said.
End/Thursday, July 20, 1995