A launch ceremony was held at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) yesterday for the Commemorative Activities of the 90th anniversary of the “March of the Volunteers”.
Featuring a themed lecture, cultural performances and a photo exhibition, the activities are co-organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) and supported by the Tianhan Foundation of China.
Officiating at yesterday’s ceremony were Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Wallis O Lam, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Yin Rutao; DSEDJ Director Kong Chi Meng, IC President Deland Leong Wai Man, and Secretary-General of the Tianhan Foundation of China Wei Ouyang.
In her speech, Leong highlighted the “March of the Volunteers” history and significance.
Born during a turbulent period, its lyrics were penned by playwright, novelist and poet Tian Han (1898–1968), while the 46-second melody was created by composer Nie Er (1912–1935). It was played for the first time as the national anthem during the ceremony that marked the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing on October 1,1949.
Leong pointed out that the commemorative activities organised were all “designed to promote the great spirit of the War of Resistance, foster patriotism among young people, and strengthen national pride. These activities infuse Chinese culture with enduring spiritual strength. More importantly, they provide a platform for Macau’s youth to reflect on history and envision the future”.
Leong added: “Going forward, the Macau SAR Government will continue to enhance patriotic education, encouraging our young people to play an active role in developing our nation and Macau, and to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”.
Regarding the activities, the lecture about the 90th anniversary was held on Monday. The cultural performance “Melodies of War, Spirit of the Nation”, meanwhile, was presented after yesterday’s ceremony by the Macao Conservatory of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macau, and local arts groups. It featured an audience of around 300 people, the majority being students, organisers told reporters yesterday.
Moreover, the “Call for Progress Across Eras: Tian Han and the National Anthem” is displayed at the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum from today through December 1, with around 100 photos on display.
DSEDJ Director Kong Chi Meng (from left to right), Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Yin Rutao; Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Wallis O Lam; IC President Deland Leong Wai Man, and Secretary-General of the Tianhan Foundation of China Wei Ouyang pose before cutting the ribbon at yesterday’s launch ceremony at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM). – Photos of the ceremony and performances taken by Rui Pastorin
