Sunday November 11th 2018 saw more than 120 people gathered in the Taiwan Prisoner of War Memorial Park - the site of the former Kinkaseki POW Camp in Jinguashi, to take part in the year's Remembrance Day event.
It was the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I on the day, and a special service of commemoration was held to mark that special historical event. For a change the weather was beautiful - a lovely autumn day under cloudless blue skies
The Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Society - with assistance from the British Office in Taipei, sponsored the event which included a number of features especially for this memorable occasion.
The service started at 10:45, and after the welcome and opening remarks by the Society's Mark Wilkie and a number by Canadian piper Mal Turner, exactly at 11:00 am, the bell from the nearby Chiyanji Temple tolled to commemorate the time exactly 100 years ago, when the guns finally fell silent after four bitter years of war, and bells rang out all across Britain, France and Belgium as the people celebrated the end of what was then called ‘the war to end all wars’. All across the UK, France, Belgium, Canada, Australia, the United States and other countries, bells were scheduled to ring out at that exact same time on this date, and here in Taiwan we wanted to join with them on the day in this act of celebration and remembrance. A minute’s silence was observed in gratitude and respect for those who fought and died in that terrible war.
British Office Representative Catherine Nettleton and the Society Director both shared first-hand stories of family members who had served and died in WW I, and this was followed by a recitation of the famous World War I poem “In Flanders Fields” by the Director. A special feature this year was re-enactor Deryk Walker dressed as a World War I soldier which definitely added realism and a sombre touch as he stood by the memorial during the wreath-laying ceremony.
Tributes were also rendered by the Taiwan Minister of Veterans Affairs Gen. Chiu, Kuo-Cheng (Ret.) and Lt/Gen. Liu, Ai-Di (Ret.) Vice-President of the Veterans Association of the ROC. This was followed by the usual readings and tributes to the POWs who suffered and died in Taiwan, all those who fought and those who died in all the wars of the past 100 years - and those who are still serving today to try to bring peace to our troubled world.
Following an inspirational message and the Prayer of Remembrance by the Society's chaplain the Rev. Dr. Herbert Barker, himself a veteran, wreaths were laid on the memorial, the Act of Remembrance was carried out with Last Post and Rouse being played by Ray Heberer of Taipei American School.
After the ceremony photos were taken around the memorial and then those in attendance were invited to gather together in the community center for a picnic lunch, and a great time of fellowship was enjoyed by all.
Our thanks to those who turned out for this year's special event to remember and honour the men to whom we owe a debt that can never be repaid. LEST WE FORGET!