Two R.O.C. veteran groups, the R.O.C. Veterans Association in Toronto (ROCVAT) and the Ontario Chapter of the Veterans Association of the Republic of China (VAROC) joined thousands of retired service men and women from all over the world in the 94th Annual Warriors’ Day Parade held on August 22nd at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Toronto. Firmly holding the R.O.C. national flags in hands, they looked vigorous and outstanding among all the veteran groups in attendance of the parade.
More than 2,000 veterans and currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and allies took part in this world-famous veteran parade. All the marching contingents and veterans began forming up at Gore Park beginning at 10: 00 am. After the start of the parade, they marched orderly into Exhibition Place through the historic Princes’ Gates and along Princes’ Boulevard to the sounds of military bands, pipes and drums, and cheering crowds. The contingents, when passing the Saluting Dais, saluted to the Presidium of the parade event.
The ROCVAT parade team was comprised of 60 men and women, while there were 40 members in the VAROC team. Before the parade started, Ambassador Rong-chuan Wu, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto, reviewed and talked to the two R.O.C. teams. DG Wu thanked leaders of Taiwanese community for organizing marching contingents representing the ROC in this great event. It is of particular importance, DG Wu said, that the R.O.C. presented this year as it also marks the 70th anniversary of the R.O.C. victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan.
When the two ROC teams passed the Saluting Dais, the event organizer made special comments, telling the audience that they represented the West’s Ally in the World War Two, the Republic of China. The audience responded with warm clapping in admiration as they knew that it is the R.O.C. government that leads the China-Burma-India Theater during the WWII.
