Since Hong Kong's handover, the government has been attaching great importance to the education of the national flag and anthem. Currently, many primary and secondary schools have established flag-raising teams.

By teaching students about the flag-raising ceremony, students were given the chance to understand the significance of the national flag from a young age, fostering a sense of patriotism.

Sing Tao Probe went to visit primary and secondary schools to understand the development of the flag-raising teams, as well as to gain insights from students and teachers.

HKFEW Wong Cho Bau School's flag-raising team has been established for 22 years, passing down the tradition from primary school to secondary school

Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers Wong Cho Bau School was the first school in Hong Kong to establish a flag-raising team. It first formed the team at its primary school in 2002, later extending the program to its secondary school.

The current captain of the school's flag-raising team expressed his delight to be part of the team.

He said it's crucial to pay attention to the rhythm of pulling the rope in order to ensure the flag is raised to the top of the pole as the anthem ends. These details, though seemingly tiny, are vital to the aesthetic appeal and solemnity of the entire flag-raising ceremony.

Another member of the flag-raising team said participating in the flag-raising ceremony makes her feel very proud. Through the process, she has learned the spirit of mutual assistance among team members.

Additionally, she also emphasized certain details in the flag-raising ceremony, such as never letting the national flag touch the ground at all times, and every team member must salute during the raising, which demonstrates respect and reverence for the national flag.

The teacher in charge of the flag-raising team has already been participating in the team since the team's establishment in 2002.

During her secondary school years, she initiated the establishment of the flag-raising team, and after graduating from university, she returned to her alma mater as a teacher and became the teacher in charge of the flag-raising team, hoping to pass on the torch.

She also said that the team should pay attention to the etiquette, conduct the ceremony solemnly and seriously during the flag-raising training, while members should respect the national flag, anthem, and country, ensuring the ceremony is performed perfectly to showcase the best aspects of the country to the students, she added.

During flag-raising training, she has strict standards for students. In her opinion, team members not only need to be self-disciplined but also serve as role models for their classmates.

Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School's flag-raising team upholds the philosophy of “Take Pride in the Nation, Bring Glory to the Country”

The flag-raising team of Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School, established just two years ago, has already achieved excellent results in numerous competitions, including awards for best flag bearer and best commander.

The current team captain said he is fully aware of the responsibilities he carries. He always conducts the flag-raising ceremony with diligence and seriousness. For example, he will make sure the national flag is clean and check that it is hung in the correct orientation.

He emphasized that "Take Pride in the Nation, Bring Glory to the Country" is the team's slogan.

At the same time, the deputy captain also believes that respect for the national flag is of paramount importance, as this respect allows every citizen to feel a sense of belonging to the nation.

He said citizens can feel pride in the country during the flag-raising process, while another deputy captain Chan noted that the national flag and national anthem are symbols of the nation and must be respected.

The school's principal Fan Chi-man, and teacher Cheung who leads the flag-raising team, praised the students for their active participation in the team, commending their hardworking and resilient spirit.

Through the flag-raising teams, students can gain a deeper understanding of their motherland and strengthen their sense of national identity, teacher Cheung said.

During the flag-raising ceremony, she will be concerned that the students' rhythm to the music might not match their steps, or the flag might slide down if not pulled taut during the raising.

She emphasized that the national flag must reach the top within 49 seconds — neither a second too late nor too early — which is a high requirement for the students.

The headmaster stated that he observed the students' training is executed in orderly formations, with all their movements being smooth and full of confidence, making him feel very proud.

It's not easy to become a member of the flag-raising team. Students need a sense of responsibility, cannot be late or leave early, otherwise it will affect the overall discipline, he added.

The national flag is a national symbol. The large star on the flag represents the Chinese Communist Party, and the four small five-pointed stars symbolize the four classes: the working class, the peasantry, the urban petite bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie.

The center points of the four small stars must pass through one of their own star points, connecting in a line with the center point of the large star.

There are standards for the size and specification of the national flag, and it cannot be used arbitrarily. Furthermore, it is absolutely forbidden to intentionally desecrate the national flag by mutilating or trampling. trample or damage it.

If a person violates the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance, the offender can face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and imprisonment for up to three years.

Association of Hong Kong Flag-guards is committed to nurturing young talents

Hui Chun-lung, honorary director of the Association of Hong Kong Flag-guards also serves as a secondary school principal, has long shouldered the responsibility of nurturing the next generation.

He pointed out that members of the flag-raising team, whether flag bearers or flag guards, must accurately time the flag-raising process, which is the highest standard and requirement.

Also, people have increasingly valued singing the national anthem and participating in flag-raising ceremonies in recent years, he said. This not only strengthens emotional ties to the country but also embeds the spirit of patriotism more deeply within the hearts of the people.

Witnessing Hong Kong's handover, Tam Yiu-chung feels deep pride at the crucial moment

Recalling the night of the return, Tam Yiu-chung, vice president of Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies, still remembered the British flag slowly lowering, followed by the raising and fluttering of the Five-Star Red Flag, which marked Hong Kong's official becoming part of China.

He stated that the national flag is the symbol of the nation, and flag-raising ceremonies should be solemn and conducted with respect. 

Through participating in various events, he has observed a significant improvement in the public’s attitude towards raising the national flag.

In the past, many people might have been chatting or inattentive during flag-raising, but this situation has greatly improved, he said. 

Now, people understand the etiquette to stand at attention and face the flag, and they also sing the national anthem together.

As the awareness strengthens, he believes that the people’s respect and compliance with the national flag will gradually increase.