On September 3, the Commissioner led a 15-member Force delegation and joined the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to Beijing for the commemorative events marking the “80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War” (V-Day military parade). The delegation included the new Chairman of the Hong Kong Police Junior Police Officers’ Association, Station Sergeant Frankie who is a “Post-70s”, and Force summer intern Tristan who is a “Post-00s”. Both can still vividly recall the military parade scenes: the walking formations passed the viewing stage in perfect unison, maintaining straight lines when viewed from any angle, and the powerful sound of footsteps could be heard even with the eyes closed, showcasing the powerful and awe-inspiring aura of Chinese soldiers.

Reflecting on the most touching moment, 48-year-old Frankie frankly tells that being able to participate in the V-Day military parade in the Force’s uniform was a great honour to him. “For the first time, the nation arranged members of the HKSAR disciplined services to participate in the military parade in uniform. I was so excited that tears welled up in my eyes when singing the National Anthem and giving the Chinese-style salute at Tiananmen Square. I deeply felt the close connection between the uniform and the nation.”

Frankie notes, “The soldiers in the military parade demonstrated unwavering determination, and the advanced domestically-produced weapons reflected the hard work of the research and development personnel. All these are testaments to the spirit of resistance and also achievements won by countless predecessors with their lives.”

As a police officer, Frankie opines that safeguarding the nation and citizens is his lifelong mission, and this military parade made him even more aware of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. “Peaceful life is hard-won, and we must remain vigilant. ‘A nation without defense cannot stand, and people without defense cannot be at ease.’ As the Chairman of the Junior Police Officers' Association, I will actively share what I saw and heard in this occasion with colleagues and citizens, and disseminate this belief.”

Similarly, 20-year-old Tristan, a third-year student in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, would like to promote the patriotic spirit. He is not only a Wong Tai Sin District Junior Police Call leader but also a summer intern in the Force’s Public Relations Wing this year. Recommended through the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, he participated in the National Security Youth Ambassador Training Scheme, and then became a member of the delegation.

Tristan states that the parade is an unforgettable patriotic education lesson. “Witnessing missile launchers, tanks and armoured personnel carriers passing by, it is difficult to describe such a profound impact in words. Although our generation has not experienced wartime turmoil, we know through the news very well that the world is not peaceful. I am grateful to be born in a peaceful country. Without strong national strength, the peace today cannot be safeguarded — a weak nation has no diplomacy.”

Tristan opines that the military parade is not only a demonstration of the nation’s hard power but also a showcase of the ethnic’s soft power. China is moving towards the centre of the world stage, “Many soldiers are of similar age to me. They dedicated their youth and sweat to the nation, guarding our safety day and night. This inspires me to actively fulfil my duties as a National Security Youth Ambassador after returning to Hong Kong, convey national concepts to more peers and tell the good stories of Hong Kong, China to international friends.”

This military parade made both generations deeply understand that the nation’s robustness is the cornerstone of security, and the inheritance of patriotic spirit is the driving force for national rejuvenation. Frankie states, “I will uphold the mission of safeguarding the nation and protecting the citizens, pass on the experience and patriotic spirit to the next generation, and carry forward this responsibility and honour.” Tristan encourages his peers, “Patriotism is not just an emotion but should be translated into action. We need to do our part, study hard and actively participate in national development in the future. ‘If the young people are strong, the nation will be strong.’ We need to become the hope of the Motherland, enabling the nation to serve as a stabilising force in this unpredictable era.”