The Republic of China Army Officer School Alumni Association in Southern California (hereinafter referred to as the Southern California ROC Army Officer School Alumni Association) celebrated the 100th founding anniversary of the Whampoa Military Academy in San Gabriel City on Sunday, June 16. Nearly 300 people, including Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Ji Qin-yao and his wife, Congresswoman Judy Chu, as well as Mike Fong, State Assembly Member for the 49th District of California, along with leaders from the Southern California overseas community and dignitaries, attended the celebration.
President Chen Bai-qi of the Southern California ROC Army Officer School Alumni Association believes that without the Whampoa Military Academy, the history of the Republic of China might have been different. This grand celebration, organized by the alumni association for the first time in twenty years, was sincerely appreciated for the support and participation from all sectors of society.
The camaraderie among graduates and cadets of the Army Officer School is strong, with many alumni being descendants of Whampoa graduates. On that day, alumni and their families celebrated the centennial of Whampoa together. Chen Bai-qi remarked, “To be able to participate in such a centennial celebration once in a lifetime is truly a blessing.” Despite some alumni being of advanced age, they stood tall, singing the school anthem proudly, showcasing the spirit of the army.
In 1924, Dr. Sun Yat-sen established the Whampoa Military Academy in Guangzhou, which saw its graduates go through stages such as the Northern Expedition, anti-communism campaigns, and resistance against Japanese invasion. In 1949, the academy relocated to Taiwan, continuing to defend the Republic of China, safeguarding the freedom and democracy of Taiwan.
In his address, Ji Qin-yao paid the highest respects to the Republic of China Taiwan Armed Forces, all Army Officer School alumni, and their families. The event was hosted by Yu Ren-hao and Lin Hui-yi, with Lin Hui-yi also performing the classic song “Shanghai Beach,” embodying the spirit of women with grace and strength.
Congresswoman Judy Chu praised the contributions of the Whampoa Military Academy during World War II, acknowledging the significant historical position of the academy and the army. She presented awards to the key members of the event. Assembly Member Mike Fong, Mayor Tai-ping Huang of Monterey Park, and Council Member Yan-yu Ding of San Gabriel City each delivered speeches, congratulating the centennial celebration of Whampoa.
The “Southern California Whampoa Military Academy Centennial Celebration” series of activities were organized by the Southern California ROC Army Officer School Alumni Association, with co-organizers including the Naval Officer School, Air Force Officer School, National Defense Medical College, School of Political Warfare, Chihlee Institute of Technology (Southern California Alumni Association), as well as the ROC Veterans Association of Southern California, the U.S. and West Whampoa Friendly Association, and the Southern California Chinese Universities Alumni Association.