BEIJING, May 3-- Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang yesterday encouraged Hong Kong youths to spend more time understanding their motherland and to contribute to society in the spirit of democracy and science.

He made the call at the opening of the Parade of May Fourth Youth Festival 2005, saying the country has experienced tremendous changes since the May Fourth Movement by patriotic students in 1919.

In the wake of economic globalization, he said youths should excel beyond their personal limits and undertake challenges courageously as future pillars of the community.

The parade was part of the festival organized by the Hong Kong United Youth Association, with many government services, the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army(PLA) and uniformed civil groups participating.

Attending were senior officials from the mainland, including Director of the the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, Gao Siren; Commander of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, Lieutenant General Wang Jitang; and Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry, Yang Wenchang.

In opening remarks, organizing committee chairman Samuel Yung said youths should learn to be more receptive towards one another and stay united for the well-being of Hong Kong and the country.

In conclusion, over 4,000 participants read aloud a declaration, swearing they"would do their best to love the country, the nation, Hong Kong, society, family, ourselves, science, democracy, study..."

Patrick Ng, a father of two from Hung Hom, said he was impressed with the progress the mainland has made and hopes his two daughters, 9 and 11, will feel patriotic from the event.

The parade started in the Golden Bauhinia Square shortly before 2 pm, with squadrons of officers from the police, immigration, fire services, customs, correctional services and other uniformed organizations marching to Wan Chai Sports Ground for the main ceremony.

A few hours earlier, 1,500 18-year-old youngsters assembled at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to participate in an"adulthood" ceremony organized by the association to swear they would shoulder responsibilities towards society and the country.

This is the 10th youth festival and eighth adulthood ceremony the association has organized since 1996. A few more activities will be staged at the Polytechnic University and a secondary school later this week.

On Sunday night, an inauguration ceremony for the festival was held at City Hall. Enditem

(Source: China Daily)