Hundreds of retired military personnel yesterday staged a parade in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, employing the goose step in a march in Taiwan for the first time in many years.
Henry Ho (何啟聖), the deputy general manager of 1111 Job Bank and initiator of the parade, said the sight of 500 veterans marching in goose step symbolized “long-lost perseverance, fortitude and practical goals in Taiwan.”
He said the veterans, all in their 50s or older, practiced over the past seven weeks to perfect the formal marching step, which had not been seen in a military parade in Taiwan in 13 years.
Photo: CNA
Some of the veterans who took part in the parade said their goal was to help raise awareness of the contributions of people serving in the armed forces and to pay tribute to those who fought to defend Taiwan.
The parade was broadcast live on the Facebook page of Taipei-based China Television Co (CTV) and drew thousands of spectators, including former first lady Chow Mei-ching (周美青) and Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱).
“Go for it, go for it” the crowd chanted as the parade entered the square in front of the Presidential Office Building, with the national flag held aloft.
“Hail the Republic of China,” some people said, while others shouted: “Topple Taiwanese independence.”
A drum section consisting of Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School alumni and a fleet of motorcycles also joined the parade, drawing applause from spectators.
When the band began playing the national anthem, the crowd joined in, singing the words.
After the parade, Lin Chin-chang, 53, the former deputy commander of the 210th Division stationed in Hualien County, said he was grateful for the cheers from his family members and friends when he was performing the goose step.
“However, nothing can compare with action, after having listened to older veterans talk about their bravery,” he said.
Lin said he decided to take part in the parade, not to prove that he was still in shape, but rather to show his passion and honor the military spirit.
The military discontinued the goose step in formal parades in 2003.
Earlier this year, a parade at a graduation ceremony for military police was heavily criticized as being disorganized.
Ho said it was that performance that sparked the idea of recreating the spirit of past military parades.
Yesterday’s parade on Ketagalan Boulevard was organized by civilians in the hope of boosting morale and encouraging a positive attitude in the nation, he said.
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