Recipient Liu Zhi-qiu, 98, a soldier in the 1937 Battle of Nanking, said it is an honor to still be remembered for taking part in the bloody engagement resulting in thousands of military and civilian casualties. “I feel incredibly touched that so many people came out here to pay tribute.”
A total of 6,000 commemorative medals were minted by the Ministry of National Defense for all surviving ROC service members fighting in the conflict before Sept. 3, 1945, regardless of their present residence.
The 70th anniversary edition is a replica of the original from 1946, comprising a view of the Marco Polo, or Lugou, Bridge, where the war broke out. The medal is further adorned with the image of former President Chiang Kai-shek, who rallied the country in the war, as well as two ROC national flags.
Held in conjunction with the joint commencement of five military academies in southern Taiwan, the ceremony was attended by President Ma Ying-jeou and officials from the central government.
Ma said the eight-year conflict, which is largely viewed as the start of World War II, gave rise to national consolidation and was one of the pivotal milestones in the history of Chinese resistance against foreign invasions. “The nation’s often poorly equipped armed forces demonstrated immeasurable bravery in tying down 800,000 Japanese troops armed with the latest weapons.
“Such heroics enabled Allied forces to counterattack and eventually prevail in the Asian and European theaters of the global conflagration.”
The president said this sacrifice helped shape the proud tradition of honor permeating the ranks of the ROC armed forces today. “The military plays a vital role in maintaining the nation’s sovereignty and will continue safeguarding Taiwan’s peace and prosperity going forward.” (YHC-JSM)
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