Saluting the patriots who fought for us all
James J. Y. Hsu (許正餘)

Taiwan is a democratic country where the military parade, often a show of force by authoritarian governments, is a thing of the past.

However, there was an exception earlier this month on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the legendary Whampoa Military Academy by the Republic of China (ROC) with Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) as the superintendent and ROC founder Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙) as the ceremonial premier of the academy.

The Republic of China Military Academy, a direct successor of Whampoa, held a centennial ceremony presided over by President William Lai (賴清德), Taiwan’s commander in chief.

Something embarrassing happened when one unit representing academy alumni did not salute the president, leading to speculation ranging from that it was an “honest mistake” to a “humiliating gesture” to even “disloyalty to Taiwan.”

Given the political atmosphere of “blue” versus “green” in the Legislative Yuan, the event could hardly fail to cause political ripples. At a crucial moment when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) recently surrounded Taiwan with military exercises externally, and legislators are trying to grab power internally, defending democracy and freedom has never been so serious.

Freedom is never free. We owe so much to the few who have fought the enemies of the country in military conflict. It is important for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

It is noteworthy that Chiang named the cadet dormitories in the military academy after 10 generals who fought the CCP and sacrificed themselves, were killed or committed suicide on the battlefield. All of them died in their 30s or 40s.

“Duty, Honor, Country” has been the US Military Academy’s motto since 1898 and is meant, according to the academy, to inspire courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, and to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

History shows that societies always make progress despite some setbacks in justice, welfare and humanity. Sometimes, even a democratic government might not deserve the support of the people, but an authoritarian government is, as a rule, inhumane and seriously flawed.

Democracy, while fragile, imperfect and often ineffective, has been the best political system that human beings have achieved through thousands of years, if not longer, of brutalities, tragedies and wars. The right side of history has to be democracy, not autocracy.

However, in Taiwan, there is always this question about which country you are fighting for. That confusion is fading, but still exists among some military and government personnel and citizens alike.

The question should be: Are we fighting aggression, protecting the weak and the disadvantaged, and standing up for the higher principles of preserving democracy and freedom?

Or are we seeking the glory of a big country at the expense of human dignity, liberty and gaiety? To put it simply, are we prepared to be on the right side of history?

Mark Twain said: “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” When the government loves our people, we love it back, and he who strives to make his country best loves it best.

The answer is then clear: Only a government of the people, by the people, for the people, deserves our patriotism.

We salute the patriots in the past, present and future at the academy and in the military from the bottom of our hearts.

James J. Y. Hsu is a retired professor of theoretical physics.
This article was originally published in Taipei Times Editorial: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2024/06/26/2003819892.