Taipei, March 29 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian presided over a spring memorial service Monday for all those who died in battle for the cause of the Republic of China.
Chen, accompanied by Presidential Secretary-General Chiou I-jen, led the heads of the five government branches, or the Executive, Legislative, Justice, Examination and Control Yuans, in attending the service held at Martyrs Shrine in Yuanshan in suburban Taipei.
Amid the sober sound of bells and drums, the president burned incense, laid a wreath and then bowed three times to the altars of the war dead during the solemn ceremony.
After the ceremony, the president offered his greetings to representatives of the surviving relatives of the war dead.
Also attending the memorial service were officials from governments of all levels, elected representatives and military officers.