The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is launching a series of activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As part of the commemorative activities, a Guangdong art exhibition opened on Thursday during which the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said that the event aims to present the essence of national sentiment to the audience, reminding society to cherish the hard-earned peace.

The exhibition will showcase over 100 classic artworks, many of which focus on the theme of saving the nation, Lee said, adding that they provide local residents in Hong Kong with a deeper understanding of the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, according to local media outlet HK01.

"The spirit of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression is an invaluable spiritual asset to the Chinese people that will forever inspire them to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in their pursuit of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Lee was quoted as saying in the media report.

Moreover, the HKSAR government will host a solemn official ceremony at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden on September 3, the Victory Day of the War of Resistance, to honor the occasion, according to a statement published on the website of the HKSAR government.

The Home Affairs Department of the HKSAR government will provide funding and support to organizations for staging commemorative activities in the community, including talks by veterans to recount their experiences during the war and showing films about the war, deepening the understanding among members of the public about the historical events of the war on the mainland and in Hong Kong, and fostering their sense of patriotism, the statement said.

Also, the Hong Kong Museum of History of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is working with the National Museum of China on co-organizing a large-scale thematic exhibition, and the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence will jointly organize a thematic exhibition with the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History; and the LCSD will also organize a talk themed "Reapproaching the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong from interactive map, 1941-1945" and a book display, titled "Days of War," at the Hong Kong Central Library, as well as photo exhibitions and thematic talks at public libraries in different districts, the statement said.

"The sense of patriotism can be cultivated through learning about local history. The Hong Kong community can explore the past through books and local tours," Chu Kar-kin, a veteran commentator based in the HKSAR and member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Visiting the historical remains allows us to deepen our understanding of what our ancestors had endured during the Japanese occupation in WWII, Chu said, noting that history should be preserved, conveyed and taught to young generations. History should not be forgone nor misinterpreted.

We warmly welcome the CE and the HKSAR government for organizing a series of commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, demonstrating through concrete actions the call for "patriotism everywhere," Chan Yung, a vice chair of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong who has been actively promoting "red tourism" to commemorate the history, told the Global Times on Thursday.

This not only helps promote the spirit of patriotism, but also contributes to the development of a vibrant and diverse tourism industry, particularly red tourism, Chan noted.

"In terms of continuing to strengthen education on Chinese history and national geography, we advocate for more diverse, accessible and effective educational methods for the youth," Chan said, noting that this will ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong, securing a peaceful and stable society for the future.