Chairman Chen, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues and Volunteers of the Red Cross, Ladies and Gentlemen: Good Morning!
Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China. As the Honorary Chairman, I am very pleased and honored to join you at this auspicious occasion and I would like to wish the Red Cross Society a Happy 100th Birthday. To all the colleagues and associates who have worked tirelessly and unselfishly, let me take this opportunity to extend my most sincere appreciation and respect for the contributions you have made.
The Red Cross Society is the longest-standing and the largest humanitarian organization in the world. In 1859, after witnessing the cruelty of the war and out of conscience and compassion, Swiss banker Henry Dunant advocated for the establishment of a neutral and impartial grass-root organization in order to provide humanitarian aid to victims of the war. It was a revolutionary vision that received immediate and broad-based support from many European countries. After more than 140 years of expansion, there are now Red Cross organizations in more than 180 countries in the world.
Red Cross Society of the Republic of China was first established in 1904, and this year marks the 100th year since its conception. As early as in 1954, responding to Geneva Convention's call for legislative protection of Red Cross organizations worldwide, the government promulgated the legislation of Regulation regarding the Red Cross of the Republic of China, thereby endowing the Red Cross Society with vested responsibilities to assist the government in official matters such as medical care to injured soldiers, aid to prisoners-of-war and common citizenry, disaster relief, disease prevention, health promotion, and disaster avoidance, etc. Hence, Red Cross Society of the R.O.C. became the only non-governmental organization in Taiwan that has been legislated into existence with the authority to be involved in legally-vested matters.
In the past 100 years, through historic turmoil and the turn-of-the-century, the Red Cross Society has marched forward steadfastly under its operating principle—Charity, Humanity, and Service—and proactively took part in humanitarian assistance, social services, and search and rescue across the Taiwan Strait. In the war zone, disaster area and every corner of the society, we can always catch a glimpse of the Red Cross banner and its workers. The efforts and contributions of all the unsung heroes in the Red Cross Society have epitomized the true meaning of the saying: wherever there is suffering, there is Red Cross; and wherever there is Red Cross, there is hope. Through concerted efforts, the Red Cross Society has consolidated the charitable contributions from Taiwan's society into a stream of goodwill that has spread beyond every corner of the society to the world wherever it is needed. Consequently, the kindness and warmth of Taiwan have now received recognition from the international community.
Besides celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Red Cross Society, today is also a day to recognize our partners in volunteerism. I would like to extend my highest regard for all the volunteers who represent the soul of the Red Cross society. Your participation enables the Red Cross Society to be the pioneer in philanthropy and the trailblazer in disaster relief; your contribution also makes it possible for the Red Cross Society to be the hope in suffering as well as the messenger of love and peace. Every volunteer exemplifies the kind of outstanding world citizen that we need more of in Taiwan. To honor the spirit of volunteerism, I have, a year after my inaugural day in 2000, completed the legislation of Volunteer Service Law and dedicated May 20th of every year as the "Volunteer Day" in hope that it will promote volunteerism and raise the awareness that we all need to cherish and help one another.
In retrospect while also look to the future, I believe that the Red Cross Society's first hundred years of excellent endeavors will lead us towards another hundred years of triumphant accomplishments. In the future, it is my earnest hope that all the colleagues and volunteers can continue with the same conviction to "care for the society with kindness and lend a hand to the people with service." Let us harmonize ourselves with the rhythm of the society and build a kinder and more peaceful world.
In closing, let me wish Red Cross of Republic of China a happy birthday and great success. My best wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness to each one of you. Thank you.