RCS Hong Kong Branch - Commonwealth Day 2025

Interfaith Service and Reception

On 10th March, Commonwealth Day, RCS Hong Kong Branch held our annual interfaith service, officiated by Rev. Shazz Turnquest, alongside leaders from the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Zoroastrian faith communities. Prayers were said for peace and for the Commonwealth, followed by the Act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth, led by Alexandra Tracy, Chairman of RCS Hong Kong.

Leaders from the Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Zoroastrian faiths then came forward to light candles on the alter, representing the virtues of Faith, Hope, Love, Peace. This was followed by the lighting of the Commonwealth candle by Vice Chairman of RCS Hong Kong, Sir Nicholas Tam, and the lighting of the Hong Kong and China candle by Neville Shroff, President of RCS Hong Kong.

The interfaith service was followed by the Official Reception for the King's Commonwealth Day Message at the Hong Kong Club. Charles Reeve, Consul General of Canada, read His Majesty King Charles’ Commonwealth Day Message

Cenotaph Commemoration

In addition to our annual service and reception, this year RCS Hong Kong Branch inaugurated an important new tradition for Commonwealth Day here.

During the Second World War, in 1941 the Japanese invaded and took possession of the territory. Commonwealth forces – mostly British, Canadian and Indian, as well as the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force - suffered as many as 2,275 missing or killed during the Battle of Hong Kong. A further 10,000 were taken as prisoners of war.

Those who fell in battle are commemorated across Hong Kong at Stanley Military Cemetery, at Sai Wan Cemetery and during the Remembrance Day formalities every year on November 11th at the Cenotaph in Central. From this year, in an annual ceremony, we will also honour the fallen on our own day – Commonwealth Day.

On the morning of 10th March 2025, there was a service of commemoration at the Cenotaph, with prayers for those who gave their lives in battle. A trumpeter played the Last Post, the flag of the Commonwealth was flown at half mast during the Two Minutes Silence and we laid a wreath of remembrance. This was followed by a breakfast function.

We are delighted to be able to add this ceremony to our longstanding activities on Commonwealth Day each year, thereby honouring the past as well as looking forward to the future.