Taiwan Today

Military parades are a frequent highlight of Double Tenth celebrations — with President and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek in the reviewing stand. The climactic moment comes wizen thousands of servicemen and cadets double-time down the broad avenue leading to the Presidential Square and then stand at parade rest (below) to hear their commander's charge of the day. The Republic of China has modernized, streamlined armed forces totaling some 600,000 men. They not only defend Taiwan against Communist aggression, but also pin down a million or more Chinese Red troops just across the Taiwan Straits. Supersonic fighter-bombers are phasing out the old F86s in the Air Force. New medium tanks have just been added to the armored corps, and the Army has Nike-Hercules and Hawk ground-to-air missiles. These forces are combat-ready for defense or for a counterattack.

China's National Day, commemorating the 1911 Wuchang Revolution, is observed in action as well as with speechmaking. The Air Force stages mass flights and aerobatics by the famed Thunder Tigers. Frogmen show their skill in landing operations, and the Army and Marines demonstrate their weapon handling with precision drills. However, the day is not the exclusive property of the military. School bands play, theatrical troupes give special performances, and processions are held throughout the island. The Double Tenth reasserts Chinese faith in a free, democratic, and united nation.

October also brings the Mandarin Film Festival, which has been conducted by the Government Information Office since 1962. Kinma (Golden Horse) awards and cash prizes are given to Taiwan and Hongkong performers and technical personnel for their contributions to more and better films in China's national language.

Taiwan Retrocession Day on October 25 is usually celebrated with many athletic events, including the start of the provincial championship meet. Overseas Chinese basketball and soccer teams come for Presidential Cup competition. Taiwan children have grown bigger and healthier in the 21 years since the island was returned to China by Japan at the en1 of World War II. Consequently, Taiwan is turning out world champions in athletics, including C. K. Yang of decathlon fame. The Taiwan resident of today gets a larger number of calories daily than any other people in Asia. School milk and lunch programs are building stronger bodies for the new generation.

Overseas Chinese who come to Taiwan in October attend special ceremonies on their own day, the 21st, and pay their respects to President Chiang Kai-shek on his birthday, which falls on the last day of the month. Thousands sign books of good wishes, not only in Taiwan, but all over the world. Chrysanthemums at flower show (top) form Chinese character for longevity. At Taipei headquarters of the Federation of Overseas Chinese National Salvation Associations is statue (right) of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Founding Father of the Republic, who said that "Overseas Chinese are the mother of the Revolution".