President Ma Ying-jeou paid tribute to the late Kuomintang General Sun Li-jen during a visit to the war hero’s former residence in Taichung City Jan. 22.
Ma expressed both gratitude for Sun’s contribution toward the defense of the Republic of China as well as regret for the unjust treatment Sun received later in life.
Sun was placed under house arrest in 1955 for an alleged plot by his subordinates to overthrow the government of former President Chiang Kai-shek.
Ma said the victory by troops trained by Sun in the Battle of Guningtou on Kinmen Island in late 1949 repelling an invasion attempt by Communist Chinese forces ensured the ROC’s security for the next 60 years.
The president expressed the hope for continued economic prosperity for the country as well as a further consolidation of democracy and the rule of law to prevent a recurrence of such tragic events as the 228 Incident, White Terror and the miscarriage of justice against Sun.
He pointed out that a fair and sound judicial system is the key to long-lasting peace and stability for the nation.
Sun’s former home is now the site of a memorial hall dedicated to the late general. (SB)