News & Events >> 2006

United States Veterans Honored by Taiwan

6/16/06

On June 16, 2006 Director General R.C. Wu welcomed the 823 Honor Badge Association, under the leadership of U.S. Marine, Mr. Llyod Evans II, to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta. Director General Wu awarded the veterans, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense in Taiwan, for their heroic service in the 1958 Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On August 28, 1958, the People¡¦s Republic of China (China) bombarded the small island of Quemoy (Kinmen), a buffer between Taiwan and China, with over 450,000 shells over the course of 44 days in hopes of squelching the independent democracy of the Republic of China, which had fled communist China to Taiwan less than 10 years earlier, in 1949.

The men of the 823 Honor Badge Association were awarded with medals and framed certificates of recognition and gratitude from the Taiwanese government. Mr. Wu spoke to the audience, going over some of the history behind where Taiwan is today and stressing the importance of U.S. assistance, such as the brave service of the U.S. veterans. Mr. Evans also gave a moving and passionate speech on the valiancy of Taiwan¡¦s efforts and successes in maintaining a free, democratic government for its people in the face of China¡¦s threats. He noted the significance of a diplomat giving a medal of honor to a foreign veteran on foreign soil. Mr. Evans expressed his sincere loyalty and respect for the Taiwanese people, and his hopes for the U.S. to play an even more supportive role for Taiwan¡¦s independence. All of the veterans present had warm memories of Taiwan and her welcoming people, and many have returned to visit over the past 48 years. In 2008, the veterans will travel to Taiwan to participate in the commemoration of the 1958 Crisis, bringing with them proclamations of support for Taiwan¡¦s recognition and legitimate representation in the international arena.

Also present at the event was Dr. Sueling Wang, who, though a child in Taiwan in 1958, remembers the permeating respect for and importance of the American troops who helped to defend Taiwan¡¦s freedom. Mr. John Cameron of the 823 Honor Badge Association shared that just before traveling to come to TECO in Atlanta, he had seen a special on Public Television about Taiwan, and the memories moved him to bring his grandson, Seth Hardin to the ceremony on June 16th to experience the importance of his involvement in the bombardment of 1958. General Fred Chiao, a veteran from the 14th aviation squadron, was also present and shared his own memories of the attack and his interactions with the American troops.

Director Lincoln Ting was in close contact with Lloyd Evans in planning the ceremony, and all the consular directors and officers of TECO Atlanta were present at this momentous occasion.

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Photo captions from left to right:

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D-G Wu (third from left) with the attending overseas Taiwanese community
leaders.

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Scene from the ceremony.

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Director General Wu makes remarks.

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Mr. John Cameron shares his thoughts with the participants.

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Mr. Lloyd Evans shows the pictures during his service in Taiwan.

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One of the awardees receives the medal from D-G Wu.