The Cenotaph (Hong Kong)

The Cenotaph (Traditional Chinese: 和平紀念碑) is a war memorial, constructed in 1923 and located between Statue Square and the City Hall in Central, Hong Kong, that commemorates the dead in the two world wars who served in Hong Kong in the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Built in stone, it is an almost exact replica of the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London, UK (designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and unveiled in 1920). It is listed as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

History

Шаблон:Infobox Chinese

The Cenotaph was unveiled on 24 May 1923 (Empire Day) by the Governor Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs. At that time, the location was still on the waterfront. Initially built to commemorate the dead of the First World War, inscribed with the words "The Glorious Dead", the dates 1939–1945 were added later to honour victims of the Second World War, and the Chinese characters 英魂不朽浩氣長存 ("May their martyred souls be immortal, and their noble spirits endure") were added in the 1970s to commemorate those who lost their lives during the Japanese invasion.

On 22 November 2013, The Cenotaph was gazetted as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

Liberation Day celebration

During British rule, after 1945, Liberation Day celebration took place here on the last Monday in August to commemorate the Liberation of Hong Kong from Japanese occupation in 1945. No official ceremonies have taken place here since 1997. Unofficial delegations do mark events here, and the flag poles are occasionally dressed.

Remembrance Day commemoration

The Remembrance Sunday observance in Hong Kong is marked by a multi-faith memorial service at the Cenotaph. The service is organised by the Royal British Legion (HK & China Branch) and the Hong Kong Ex-Servicemens Association and is attended by various Government officials, as well as representatives of various religions including the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Buddhist community, the Taoist community, the Muslim community and the Sikh community. Although Hong Kong ceased to be part of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1997, the memorial service still resembles those in many other Commonwealth countries. The service includes the sounding of "Last Post," two minutes of silence, the sounding of "Reveille", the laying of wreaths, prayers, and ends with a recitation of the "Ode of Remembrance". The Hong Kong Police Force Pipe Band continues to perform their ceremonial duty at the service.

ANZAC Day

There are commemorative events in front of the Cenotaph every year on Anzac Day. The events are held at dawn and are attended by the Consuls-General (or the High Commissioners before 1997) of Australia and New Zealand.

Flags

Prior to 1997, the Royal Naval Ensign, Union Jack and colonial flag of Hong Kong flew at the Cenotaph. Since 1997 no flags are flown except on Remembrance Day, when the flags of Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong Ex-Servicemens Association are present.

See also

  • Central and Western Heritage Trail
  • World War I memorials
Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
Otel.com
28 December 2011
Commemorating the people who died during WWI and WWII, the Cenotaph in Statue Square has nearly the same features as the one in Whitehall, London. Come during Remembrance Sunday to see ceremonies.
Load more comments
foursquare.com
6.8/10
1,777 people have been here

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
V Wanchai Hotel

starting $196

The Fleming

starting $364

218 Apartment

starting $153

Wanchai 88 Hotel

starting $106

V Wanchai 2 Hotel

starting $181

iclub Wan Chai Hotel

starting $92

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong

The Bank of China Tower (abbreviated BOC Tower) is one of the most

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
International Finance Centre

The International Finance Centre (abbr. IFC, branded as 'ifc') is an

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Hong Kong Park

The Hong Kong Park is a public park next to Cotton Tree Drive in

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (traditional Chinese:

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Central Plaza, Hong Kong

Central Plaza is the third tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. With a

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
The Center

The Center (traditional Chinese: 中環中心) is the fourth tallest skyscra

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, part of the renowned chain of wax museums

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty (French: Statue de la Liberté), officially

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Monument to the Independence of Brazil

The Monument to the Independence of Brazil (Portuguese: Monumento à

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Seven Magic Mountains

Ugo Rondinone (born 1964) is a New York-based, Swiss-born mixed-media

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Statue of Janko Kráľ

Statue of Janko Kráľ is located in the middle of Sad Janka Kráľa (li

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Tower of the Sun

The Tower of the Sun (太陽の塔, Taiyō no Tō) is a building created b

See all similar places