On April 27, President Chen Shui-bian conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Violet Grand Cordon to American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Deputy Director David J. Keegan and praised him for his commitment to strengthening Taiwan-US relations as well as for his efforts in promoting closer ties between Taiwanese and Americans.
After the presentation ceremony, Deputy Director Keegan expressed his gratitude for the president's recognition and thanked his fellow AIT colleagues.
Deputy Director Keegan said that since his first visit to Taiwan as a graduate student in 1977, he has witnessed many significant events in Taiwan's history, of which, he highlighted the 2004 presidential elections as a true testament to Taiwan's democratic vitality. "I have seen the development of Taiwan's opposition parties and its democracy," he said, "and the courage and liveliness of the Taiwanese people are what truly impress me."
He has been AIT Deputy Director since 2003.
"Taiwan has undergone a dramatic change for the past thirty years," said the deputy director, "but the spirit of the Taiwanese people and the friendship between the United States and Taiwan will forever remain the same."
AIT Director Stephen Young, Presidential Deputy Secretary-General Ma Yung-chen, and Vice Foreign Minister Francisco L.Y. Hwang were present at the presentation ceremony.