The Security Bureau led its disciplined services to hold the Constitution Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Customs College on Constitution Day today, with a view to strengthening public understanding of the constitutional basis and order of the country and Hong Kong, as well as promoting the spirit of the Constitution.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam officiated at the ceremony.

The disciplined services ceremonial guard and flag party, comprising more than 100 members, performed the Chinese-style foot drill as they marched into the venue where they conducted the flag-raising ceremony during the playing and singing of the national anthem with a fly-past by a helicopter of the Government Flying Service (GFS). The ceremony was concluded by the Customs & Excise Band's military tattoo.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Lam said that Constitution Day has entered its second decade, noting that Hong Kong's constitutional order is based on the Constitution and the Basic Law, which are the root and origin of the city.

Apart from highlighting that the Constitution provides the most fundamental and solid legal protection for “one country, two systems”, he stressed that Hong Kong should make full use of all the unique advantages brought about by “one country, two systems” and safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests to maintain the city's long-term prosperity and stability.

Mr Lam added that public awareness of the Constitution should be nurtured from an early age, and members of the disciplined services should act as guardians and defenders of the Constitution and spare no effort in discharging the duty of safeguarding national security.

Participating disciplined services in the flag-raising ceremony included the Customs & Excise Department, the Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Correctional Services Department and the GFS.