HONG KONG, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Friday held a commemorative medal presentation ceremony to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

To honor surviving veteran soldiers, veteran heroes, resistance commanders or their descendants in Hong Kong, the HKSAR government presented the commemorative medals awarded by the country to them, with a view to promoting the spirit of resistance and deepening society's awareness of history as well as patriotic sentiment.

Addressing the occasion, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said, "The people of Hong Kong united with our compatriots in the motherland with unwavering determination and fearlessness of sacrifice, and actively devoted themselves to the frontline of the war of resistance to defend our homeland."

"Among them, many Hong Kong citizens joined the East River Column and Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade. Each member fought bravely against our enemies, engaged fully in guerrilla warfare, and rescued trapped cultural figures and allied members repeatedly, demonstrating a firm and unyielding patriotic spirit," said Lee.

"Only by knowing our history and loving our country, can the flame of patriotism be passed on. Only by remembering history can we create the future. The spirit of resistance of the sons and daughters of China is a precious spiritual treasure of our nation. It is also a powerful force that inspires us to keep moving forward," he noted.

The HKSAR government is uniting all sectors to hold a series of activities, enabling all citizens of Hong Kong, especially the younger generation, to strengthen and cultivate their unyielding patriotism and profound love for the nation, he said.

The HKSAR government was organizing a series of commemorative activities, including an official ceremony on Sept. 3, as well as educational activities and film screenings. ■