The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government prepares to establish a memorial site to promote the spirit and values shown by the whole community in the fight against SARS.

The HKSAR government on Saturday announced the progress made onthe activities and programs recommended by the Advisory Committee on the Promotion of the Fighting Spirit against SARS.

The Advisory Committee suggested the government identify a suitable venue to set up a memorial site to commemorate those who gave their lives in the fight against SARS and promote the values manifested in the SARS crisis. The government has designated a site in Hong Kong Park as the venue for such purpose.

"Any suggestions on the name are welcomed," Ho said.

The government will work with the community on the building of the memorial site. With the professional assistance of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Kowloon Rotary Club will organize an open design competition. The winner's design will be adopted as the theme monument.

Memorial bronze statues cast by the New Century Forum to commemorate several medical professionals who sacrificed their lives during the SARS outbreak will be placed in the memorial site.

Members of the Advisory Committee suggested setting the last Sunday in June every year as the Clean Hong Kong Day. The government proclaimed this year's Clean Hong Kong Day to be held on June 27. Over 5,000 participants are expected to take part on the day.

Apart from government departments, volunteers including membersof the district councils, area committees, rural committees, village representatives, district hygiene teams, mutual aid committees, owners' corporations, building management companies, cleaning contractors, food premises, market stall operators as well as students will participate.

Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho, who is also chairman of the Advisory Committee, said members of the Advisory Committee found that the community had manifested impressive values at personal, interpersonal and community levels.

Ho said, "At personal level, members of different occupations showed their devotion and professionalism while the public's zest for life and a high sense of civic responsibility were also demonstrated."

The Advisory Committee on the Promotion of the Fighting Spirit against SARS was set up on June 11, 2003, to gather opinions from all sectors of the community for a permanent way to commemorate the spirit of Hong Kong demonstrated in the fight against SARS.

Source: Xinhua