国内英语新闻:Macao marks 19th anniversary of returning to motherland

MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A series of activities and events were held here on Thursday to celebrate Macao's 19th anniversary of returning to the motherland and the establishment of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

The SAR government started a flag-raising ceremony at 8:00 a.m. at the Golden Lotus Square, with Macao's leading officials, discipline forces and local residents participating in the event.

Two formations of Public Security Forces of Macao took the national flag and the Macao SAR flag to the two flag poles. Then the two flags were hoisted to the national anthem in front of the audiences and honor guards from Macao's police officers, firefighters and custom officers.

People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison also held a flag-raising ceremony in the morning.

Following the ceremonies was a reception event held at Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Center which was decorated by ribbons of red and yellow, the colors of China's national flag. About 900 representatives from all sectors of society in Macao attended the reception to celebrate the anniversary.

Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Chui Sai On said at the reception that the SAR government has strictly adhered to the constitution and the Macao SAR Basic Law in the past 19 years, and the policy of "one country, two systems" was fully implemented in the Macao SAR.

He noted that the SAR government was to further participate in the country's reform and opening-up process, and further integrate into the national development.

During the day, a special flower show was organized by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau at Taipa Houses. The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau also offered a commemorative postmarking service to the public to celebrate the anniversary.

At 9:00 p.m. local time, a fantastic firework show was put up by the tourism office on the waterfront near Macao Tower. Thousands of tourists and local residents went to the beach to watch the show.