The year 2024 marks the 66th anniversary of the 823 Battle. President Lai Ching-te paid a visit to Kinmen this morning and hosted the "Remembrance Ceremony for the 66th Victory Anniversary of the 823 Battle", and had a luncheon with the officers and soldiers and family of the deceased. The President thanked the martyrs of the 823 Battle for their sacrifice and dedication, and hoped that everyone would continue to uphold the spirit of the 823 Battle in the future, safeguard national sovereignty, and defend the life and property of our nationals.
After the President arrived in Kinmen, he went to the Martyrs' Shrine at Mount Taiwan and officiated the sacrificial ritual, offering incense, flowers, and gifts to the martyrs. After the master of ceremonies read the memorial text, the President led accompanying mourners to bow in expressing their condolences, then going to the tomb section of the Cemetery at Mount Taiwan, and attended a memorial ceremony to express his heartfelt condolences and gratitude to the martyrs for their selfless dedication to the country.
The President met with many bereaved family members today. During the reception, he rendered his respect to all family members of the deceased, and expressed thanks to everyone's families for their contribution to the country as the 823 Battle will always remain in our collective history and memories. The President also rendered his gratitude to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) for arranging the gathering, and hoped that we maintain the spirit of the 823 Battle in the future and that the sacrifice of all service personnel who participated in this battle will not be in vain.
The President emphasized that the government has continuously improved the military combat capabilities of our country in recent years, and the military budget next year will be further expanded to ensure we continue to do so. In addition to taking care of officers and soldiers and protecting their rights and interests, the government will also improve training, and procure more sophisticated weapons and equipment. We will also continue to stand side by side with democratic countries as we demonstrate to the international community our determination to protect our country. Most of all, our country is willing to work with democratic allies to safeguard the peaceful development of the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region.
To finish, the President again expressed his most sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the 823 Battle on behalf of every national in the country. As the President noted, if it had not been for the determination, solidarity, and uncompromising spirit of these brave servicemen as they fought to prevail in this battle, Taiwan would not be where it is today. Facing the threat from Communist China, our only goal is to defend national sovereignty, safeguard democracy, and defend the life and property of our 23.5 million nationals.