On July 1, the Hong Kong SAR government held a reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong, sent her blessings via video. She displayed the SAR regional flag at the China Space Station and expressed her heartfelt wishes in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
"On this important occasion of the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I am very honored to display the Hong Kong SAR flag at our country’s space station, to express my deep gratitude to the country and my heartfelt blessings to Hong Kong," Lai Ka-ying said.
Lai Ka-ying stated that being able to meet everyone from space demonstrates the precious opportunities brought to the SAR under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework and by relying on the motherland. As the first astronaut from Hong Kong, she feels a great sense of pride in being able to participate in the country’s space program every day during her mission. She also genuinely feels that the country’s pursuit of building a space powerhouse not only advances human civilization but also helps create a better future for all humanity.
Lai Ka-ying expressed her sincere wish that, with the care and support of the country, the Hong Kong SAR will become even more prosperous and stable. "Let’s work together to strive for an even brighter future for our motherland and Hong Kong. Let’s all do our best."
At 8:00 a.m. on July 1, the Hong Kong SAR government held a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square. Accompanied by the Hong Kong Police Silver Band playing the song "Ode to the Motherland," government disciplined services marched in Chinese-style formation. Amidst the resounding national anthem, the national flag of the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR flag were slowly raised. After the ceremony, the government disciplined services saluted in the air and at sea, with helicopters flying over Victoria Harbour carrying both the national and regional flags.