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Following is the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the official ceremony at the City Hall Memorial Garden this (Wednesday) morning to commemorate those who died in the defence of Hong Kong in the war years between 1941 and 1945:

Now I would like to say a few words in English¡G

We gather here today to commemorate all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Hong Kong in the Second World War.

As part of this year's ceremony, we will add a list containing the names of 115 members of the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column who died in the defence of Hong Kong to the Roll of Honour kept in the Memorial Shrine.

We are honoured today by the presence of members of all Hong Kong veterans' associations, including ex-members of the Independent Battalion, and the families of our noble fighters. On behalf of the people of Hong Kong, I convey our salute to all those who died in the defence of Hong Kong.

End/Wednesday, October 28, 1998

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