A memorial service for the late Lee Teng-hui, Taiwan’s first democratically elected president, is set to be held this week at three venues in New Taipei City, according to the Presidential Office Sept. 11.
Starting at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 19, the event will be staged primarily at the chapel of Aletheia University. Among the 800 expected attendees are President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President Lai Ching-te, officials, foreign envoys, representatives of political parties, and Lee’s family members and friends.
The service at the main venue will be broadcast at the nearby chapel and concert hall of Tamkang Senior High School, Lee’s alma mater. The former can accommodate a total of 500 alumni and members of the public, with advance registration required, while the latter will seat 225 representatives of civil organizations.
The event will also be livestreamed on the PO’s website and YouTube channel, the office said.
According to the PO, the service is set to observe Christian protocols and conventions fit for a former president, including a presidential citation, flag ceremony and 21-gun salute. The event will end at 11:50 a.m., when a hearse will carry Lee’s ashes back to his residence in Taipei City.
Inaugurated as president in 1988, Lee pushed for the abolishment of the Temporary Provisions Effective during the Period of Communist Rebellion as well as constitutional amendments, Legislature reform and democratic presidential elections. He was directly elected as Taiwan’s president in 1996 and dubbed “Mr. Democracy” for his role in ending authoritarian rule.
Lee was relieved of his office in 2000 and passed away at the age of 97 July 30 in Taipei City. (YCH-E)
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