Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian presided over a ritual at the Yuanshan Martyrs Shrine in suburban Taipei Sunday in memory of the nation's war dead.
The memorial service was held in connection with the celebration of the Republic of China's Armed Forces Day, which falls on Sept. 3.
Chen burnt incense and laid a wreath before the altar at the shrine. After reading a eulogy in honor of the war dead, he led other senior government and military officials in bowing three times before the altar.
Also present at the ceremony were Vice President Annette Lu, Premier Tang Fei, Judicial Yuan President Weng Yueh-sheng, Examination Yuan President Hsu Shui-teh, Control Yuan President Fredrick Chien, Defense Minister Wu Shih-wen, Chief of the General Staff Tang Yao-ming and many other senior officials.
After the memorial ritual, Chen and Lu shook hands with family representatives of the war dead to express their respects and admiration for their sacrifices for the national cause.