On October 11, 2024, Republic of China (Taiwan) President Lai Ching-te visited the veterans at the Taoyuan Honor Home to commemorate the Double Ninth Festival. He mentioned that October 10 is the National Day of the Republic of China, and recently he attended the 66th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of August 23rd in Kinmen, where he was filled with gratitude. President Lai expressed his thanks to the officers and soldiers who defended the Republic of China 66 years ago.
President Lai Ching-te arrived at the Taoyuan Honor Home on October 11 for the Double Ninth Festival. Upon arrival, he first visited the facilities of the veterans (referred to as honor veterans in the Republic of China) and learned about smart medical equipment while interacting warmly with the elderly veterans. To provide President Lai with a detailed understanding of the current situation of the Honor Home, Director Chen Ping explained the recent improvements in both hardware and software facilities at the home, including the three-tier pyramid system integrating medical care and distance care, allowing President Lai Ching-te to gain a deeper understanding of the Honor Home.
During his speech, President Lai Ching-te mentioned that it was the Double Ninth Festival and extended greetings and blessings on behalf of the government and all sectors of Taiwanese society to the elderly. He also expressed his gratitude for the contributions of the retired officers and soldiers of the National Army, especially Mr. Yan Defa, the Director of the Veteran Assistance Committee, who had served in key positions in national defense, emphasizing the importance of caring for the elderly veterans.
President Lai pointed out that October 10 is the National Day of the Republic of China, and this month also marks the anniversary of the Battle of Guningtou, highlighting the contributions of the elderly veterans in defending the country. He shared his gratitude for the unity and cooperation among officers and soldiers who fought together 66 years ago during the Battle of August 23 in Kinmen, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the territories of Taiwan and the outlying islands as well as the Republic of China. Therefore, on the Double Ninth Festival, he paid tribute to everyone and urged the Veteran Assistance Committee to continue their dedicated care for the veterans.
He mentioned that he had earlier visited various facilities at the Taoyuan Honor Home and had conversations with several elderly individuals, expressing his happiness with the comprehensive services provided by the Honor Home. Lastly, he once again paid his respects to the elderly veterans on behalf of the people, wishing them a happy Double Ninth Festival, good health, and all the best.
President Lai Ching-te then visited the dining environment and the current situation of the veterans, and presided over the October birthday celebration at the venue, where he congratulated the centenarians and those celebrating birthdays in the month, presenting them with birthday gifts and additional funds for meals, aiming to ensure the happiness and well-being of every veteran. The hall echoed with the warm applause and gratitude from the veterans.
In conclusion, President Lai Ching-te, along with the Secretary General of the Presidential Office, Pan, Executive Yuan Political Deputy Minister Chen Shizhong, Director of the Veteran Assistance Committee Yan Defa, Deputy Director, Long-term Care and Medical Care Department Head, as well as the director of the Taipei Veterans General Hospital Taoyuan Branch and colleagues from the Honor Home paid tribute to the deceased veterans over the years at the memorial hall.
President Lai Ching-te praised the Veteran Assistance Committee’s dedicated care for the elderly veterans. After visiting the leisure facilities and smart care equipment at the Honor Home, he was pleased to see how the committee combined intelligent technology with creative solutions to create a joyful aging environment for the veterans.
President Lai mentioned that Taiwan is on the verge of entering a “super-aging society” next year and highlighted the government’s determination to promote a “Healthy Taiwan” goal and the “Long-Term Care 3.0” policy. Seeing the spirited and smiling elderly present today, President Lai witnessed the establishment of a friendly and independent blueprint for happiness at the Honor Home, emphasizing the collective effort to safeguard the health and happiness of the elderly.