On June 1st, the American Chinese Republic Whampoa Alumni Association held a commemorative event at the Los Angeles Overseas Chinese Cultural Center to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China Military Academy. The event was dedicated to honoring the spirit of the older generation who embarked on the Long March, Northern Expedition, Anti-Japanese War, and fought against communism, fearlessly sacrificing for the Chinese nation. The attendees proudly sang the Whampoa Academy anthem: “With sincerity continuing forever, hand in hand we move forward without fear on this road not too far away.”
The auditorium at the Overseas Chinese Center in Los Angeles was packed on the afternoon of the 1st, with Whampoa alumni and friends from Southern California, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and other places coming together. Among the distinguished guests were Deputy Director Zhang Zhengyu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Director Chen Minyong of the Overseas Chinese Education Center, U.S. Congresswoman Chao Meixin, Chairman Li Jinsheng of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, as well as Councilwoman Ding Yanyu from San Gabriel and Councilwoman Wang Ailin from Arcadia.
In his speech, Zhang Zhengyu expressed that the history of Whampoa is closely intertwined with the founding and development of the Republic of China, to the extent that it can be said, “Without the Whampoa Military Academy, there would be no Republic of China.” He thanked the Whampoa alumni for their sustained support of the Republic of China, which has contributed to the continued growth and strength of the nation.
Chen Minyong also expressed gratitude for the meaningful event organized by the American Chinese Republic Whampoa Alumni Association, which serves to unite overseas compatriots and continue to support Taiwan, safeguarding the constitutional and democratic society established by the ancestors.
Chao Meixin presented a congressional commendation to the American Chinese Republic Whampoa Alumni Association, acknowledging the heroic actions of the Whampoa military in World War II alongside the U.S. military in the India-Burma border region, praising the Whampoa soldiers for their valiant defense and maintenance of peace against overwhelming odds.
The hundred-year history of Whampoa is a tale of blood, sweat, and tears of Republic of China soldiers. Thirty-three descendants of Whampoa alumni were honored on stage, lighting candles in tribute to their forefathers. Xie Chuanzuo, President of the American Chinese Republic Whampoa Alumni Association, believed that although the older generation has become eternal in the passage of time, the stars in the night sky still guide the Republic of China in the right direction.
Representatives from the U.S. military presented a signed plaque to Chen Baiqi, President of the Southern California Alumni Association of the Republic of China Military Academy, rekindling the friendship between the American and Nationalist armies in battle. Wang Minyou, daughter of Whampoa alum Wang Nanping from the sixth class, calligraphed “Chinese Treasure, Whampoa Spirit” in memory of her forefathers.
In his address, Wang Zhuqing, Chairman of the American Chinese Republic Whampoa Alumni Association, mentioned that in the 13th year of the Republic, Dr. Sun Yat-sen founded the Whampoa Military Academy with the motto: “Advance to promotion and wealth elsewhere, those who fear death and cherish life need not enter this gate.” Patriotism and love for the people are the fundamental spirits of Whampoa. Celebrating the centennial of Whampoa’s founding aims to revive that spirit. The stability of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu today relies on the young generation of Whampoa alumni continuing to defend the peace across the strait.
The commemorative event was hosted by Lin Huiyi and Luo Zailin, with the Chinese Flag Team providing assistance. More than 20 organizations from Southern California took the stage to perform patriotic songs such as “Blue Sky, White Clouds,” fostering an understanding of the history of the Anti-Japanese War through a large-scale Republic of China resistance history stamp exhibition, allowing the younger generation to appreciate the historical significance.