An exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations (WFTA) opened yesterday in Taipei, with President William Lai (賴清德) issuing a congratulatory message.
Founded in Vienna on Sept. 7, 1974, the WFTA is the largest Taiwanese organization abroad. Its mission calls for the determination of Taiwanese in asserting their identity, national sovereignty and democratic values.
This 50th anniversary exhibition, which first opened in Vienna, is on display at the National 228 Memorial Museum until Nov. 30.
Photo: Lo Pei-de, Taipei Times
At the opening ceremony yesterday, presidential adviser Yao Chia-wen (姚嘉文) read Lai’s message, in which he said hoped the exhibition would reflect Taiwanese patriotism, reinforce the importance of national sovereignty and shine a light on the country’s future.
Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei (簡舒培) of the Democratic Progressive Party said in a speech that while Taiwanese can today travel, study abroad and return without issue, that was not the case 50 years ago.
During the authoritarian regime, students returning from overseas were closely monitored by the government, she said, adding that young people might not understand the struggles of previous generations.
She commended the WFTA for collecting historical records to remind visitors that today’s freedoms were not easily achieved.
The goal of the exhibition is to evoke the emotions of those who left Taiwan years ago and trace the history of the overseas Taiwanese movement, especially their efforts in promoting democracy in their homeland, the WFTA said.
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