To show concern for disabled children, Premier Mao Chi-kuo today attended the 336 Angel's Day celebration at the Fu Hsing Kang College of National Defense University (NDU) in Beitou District of Taipei City.
Humans are great because of their dreams, and on this beautiful vacation day friends from all over the island congregated to jointly realize the dream of turning Taiwan into a caring and loving society, in which people recognize, understand and tolerate differences, accept one another and live in harmony, Premier Mao stated.
Angel's Day is celebrated in honor of disabled children, who are known as angels, every third Saturday of March (336) in Taiwan. Premier Mao noted that the Angel's Day event is in its sixth year.
The premier expressed his gratitude to military officials and soldiers for being innovative in organizing a military parade for the children, saying that it would definitely become an unforgettable experience in their lives. He also expressed his respect to parents for their hard work in taking care of their angels year-round.
Mao further pointed out that today's activities not only helped the angels fulfill their dreams of becoming soldiers but also exemplified the military's care for the citizenry, thus fully demonstrating the spirit of a modern military force.
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that it organized today's activities in cooperation with the Angel Heart Family Social Welfare Foundation in order to exhibit military personnel's love and concern for angels and help them experience a day in the life of a soldier. It is hoped that the officers' and soldiers' example of love and concern will ripple outward, leading to more caring acts that spread warmth to every corner of society and helping this kind of love to be passed on ceaselessly.
Today's parade comprised NDU's brass band, the color guards of the armed forces (army, navy and air force), heavy motorbikes ridden by military police, pace cars, Hummers, angels in wheelchairs, troops marching in unison, and marching angels.
Premier Mao arrived at the site wearing a military camouflage T-shirt and accompanied the angels in wheelchairs during the parade. He shook hands with and paid respect to their parents, and the atmosphere was joyous and congenial.