Taipei City Government

To commemorate the 30th death anniversary of former Minster of Defense Yu Da-wei, Mayor Chiang Wan-an visited the Yu Da-wei Memorial Exhibition at the National Taiwan University Library on August 22.

The mayor pointed out that today’s visit is not only to remember history, but also to look forward to the future. The 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis is an important turning point in the history of Taiwan. Without the battles in the frontline of Kinmen, there would be no peace for the main island of Taiwan – not to mention the economic prosperity that lasts through even today. We need to be thankful of the sacrifice our forefathers made during the conflict at Kinmen and remember their deeds as we look forward to tomorrow.

According to Chiang, Yu was known for both his knowledge spanning humanities to warfare. The former Minister of Defense was on the grounds in Kinmen commanding troops during the 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis. Despite suffering a head injury from shell splinters during the conflict, he regarded the wound as his medal of courage which accompanied him for the rest of his life.

Pointing out that tomorrow (August 23) marks the 65th anniversary of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, the mayor stressed that there has been a long period of stalemate between the two sides following the event. However, transition from military conflict to peaceful exchange did not occur until 1987. The road to peaceful times has been long, showing that political achievements do not come by easily. Both sides share the responsibility to maintain the current status quo.

At the end of his speech, the mayor invited the public to come to the NTU Library and visit the Yu Da-wei Memorial Exhibition. He stressed once again that history should not be forgotten, and we need to realize peace through intelligence. For the past 65 years, the efforts of our predecessors have secured peace for our generation, and it is our responsibility to continue the peace for generations to come.