HK commemorates World War II martyrs

Hong Kong Chief Executive C Y Leung lays a wreath during an official ceremony in commemoration of those who died in defending Hong Kong during the second World War in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 23, 2012. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government holds the official ceremony annually on Double Ninth Festival, which falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar as a traditional occasion for showing respect for the elderly. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government held an annual official ceremony on Tuesday in commemoration of those who died in the defense of Hong Kong in World War II between 1941 and 1945.

Hong Kong's chief executive C Y Leung attended the ceremony and laid a wreath at the City Hall Memorial Garden.

Senior government officials and representatives from the Judiciary, the Legislative Council and the Executive Council were also present at the ceremony.

They were joined by representatives of the central government organizations in Hong Kong, members of the concerned consular corps, religious leaders, community dignitaries, former members of the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, war veterans' groups, uniformed groups and student groups.