Armed Forces Day
Originally each branch of the ROC military was remembered on separate occasions: Air Force Day on August 14th, Military Police Day on December 12th, or "Double Twelfth Day," and Army Day on July 7th, or "Double Seventh Day." Though each holiday celebrated an illustrious history of service, the Ministry of National Defense felt that there should be an "Armed Forces Day" to honor the military as a collective body. In 1955, it was thus decided to combine each of these separate occasions into Victory Day, what is known today as Armed Forces Day, celebrated on September 3rd in memory of the valor and sacrifice of all branches of the military during the eight-year war that ended in victory for China on that day. Since its inaugurated on September 3, 1995, Armed Forces Day has been celebrated not only by the official " Armed Forces Day Performance," but also by troop-cheering activities sponsored by civilian groups from all quarters honoring the nation's soldiers. During these activities, people chant slogans, carry signs, and hold competitions that instill the concept of "Honor for the Military and Love for the People" in the hearts of all soldiers and citizens. 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, several military welfare policies have been carried out including military education to provide a favorable learning environment for soldiers and offer detailed career planning for guidance in their future careers.
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