A total of 376 people were honored for their significant contribution to Hong Kong, according to the gazette of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on July 1, the seventh anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Chief Executive of HKSAR Tung Chee Hwa has accorded awards to 376 people in this year's Honors List, including 15 Gold, 23 Silver and 63 Bronze Bauhinia Star recipients.

The list is the seventh full Honors List since Hong Kong's return to the motherland on July 1, 1997. A total of 2,095 people have been awarded over the past seven years.

The recipients are from all walks of life. This year's Honors List also includes people who made outstanding contributions in the fight against SARS.

Fifteen people were awarded Gold Bauhinia Star; 23 people won Silver Bauhinia Star; one person was granted Medal for Bravery; 11 people got Distinguished Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC; 63 people were awarded Bronze Bauhinia Star; seven people were granted Medal for Bravery (Bronze); 56 people won Meritorious Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC; 76 people were given Medal of Honor; 75 people were awarded Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service; and 49 people got Chief Executive's Commendation for Government Public Service.

The presentation ceremony will be held in October.

Source: Xinhua