President Tsai meets American Legion National Commander James W. Oxford
President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by American Legion National Commander James W. Oxford on the morning of November 27. She stated that the best way to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific is to maintain strong Taiwan-US relations, so that together, we can defend democracy and freedom. She expressed hope that Taiwan and the American Legion will continue to closely cooperate and strive for the wellbeing of veterans so that our comrades can all enjoy a sense of security and dignity in retirement.
A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:
It is a pleasure to meet with friends from the American Legion. National Commander Oxford has long been involved in veterans' public affairs. Congratulations on your election as leader of America's largest veterans' organization, with widespread popular support.
In August this year, I was honored to be invited to deliver a video speech for the American Legion's centenary celebration, and talk about our shared belief in values like democracy and freedom. As I said in that speech, the best way to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific is to maintain strong Taiwan-US relations, so that together, we can defend democracy and freedom.
I would like to thank the American Legion for always supporting these shared beliefs. I would also like to thank the Legion for vigorously supporting the Republic of China (Taiwan) through concrete actions. That includes passing resolutions urging the US government to sell defensive weapons to Taiwan, and inviting representatives chosen by our Veteran Affairs Council to participate in your annual meeting each year.
Those actions are a testament to our close friendship. Even more important, that friendship allows us to have frequent exchanges and share experiences about how to care for and assist veterans.
Under National Commander Oxford's leadership, I hope that our Veterans Affairs Council will continue to closely cooperate with the American Legion. Working together, we can strive for the wellbeing of veterans so that our comrades can all enjoy a sense of security and dignity in retirement.
I feel that by providing veterans with a strong sense of security, they will have greater peace of mind as they defend the nation and form a more formidable fighting force. And that is one of the most important foundations for maintaining peace and defending democracy and freedom.
In closing, I would like to once again welcome National Commander Oxford and all of our guests. I hope you enjoy your trip, and during your official visits, please do offer your valuable input. I know that on Monday, you visited Veterans General Hospital, so I hope National Commander Oxford can give us some suggestions and recommendations.
Also included in the delegation was American Legion Executive Director Louis Celli.