Armed Forces Day
In the past, each branch of the ROC military was remembered on separate occasions: Air Force Day on August 14, Military Police Day on December 12, or "Double Twelfth Day," and Army Day on July 7, or "Double Seventh Day." Though each holiday celebrated an illustrious history of service, the Ministry of National Defense felt the need for an "Armed Forces Day" to honor the military as a collective body. In 1955, it was decided to combine these three occasions into Victory Day, known today as Armed Forces Day, celebrated on September 3 in memory of the valor and sacrifice of all branches of the military during the eight-year War of Resistance Against Japan that ended in victory for China on that day. Since its inauguration on September 3, 1955, Armed Forces Day has been celebrated not only with the official "Armed Forces Day Performance," but also with troop-cheering activities sponsored by civilian groups. Other events include slogan contests or poster-making competitions that instill in citizens the concept of "Honor for the Military and Love for the People." But perhaps most important to the men in uniform is the rare day-off military personnel are granted by the Ministry of National Defense on this occasion!
In order to improve the quality of life in the armed forces, a number of policies pertaining to military welfare have been carried out, while military education provides a favorable learning environment for soldiers and offers detailed career planning for guidance in their future careers.
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