ROC Military Academy Celebrates 102nd Anniversary; Paraguayan Exchange Student Hopes to Inspire Dreamers Abroad

(CNA reporter Hung Hsueh-kuang, Kaohsiung, June 16) The Republic of China Military Academy held its 102nd anniversary ceremony today, with numerous cadets marching proudly to display military discipline. Cabella, an exchange student from Paraguay, said she hopes her experience can inspire more people pursuing dreams abroad. 'Wearing a military uniform means always remembering the honor we carry,' she said.

The commemoration of the 102nd anniversary of the Whampoa Military Academy and the ROC Military Academy was held in the morning in Fengshan, Kaohsiung, under the theme 'Inheriting Glory, Sustaining Innovation.' The event featured a military parade and a formal ceremony, highlighting the achievements of officer education and the continuation of the Whampoa spirit. The ceremony was presided over by Army Commander Lu Kun-hsiu, with special invitations extended to distinguished alumni, former principals, local leaders from Kaohsiung, legislators, district and village chiefs, principals of neighboring schools, and numerous community leaders.

In his speech, Lu Kun-hsiu stated that the ROC Military Academy was founded in Huangpu in the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924), later relocated to Nanjing and Chengdu, and reestablished in Fengshan in the 39th year (1950). Despite changes in eras and environmental challenges, faculty and students have consistently upheld the mission of officer training and remained committed to safeguarding the survival and development of the Republic of China.

Lu emphasized that with the rapid development of emerging fields such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and precision strikes, the nature of modern battlefields continues to evolve. Officer education must keep pace with the times, advancing not only combat training and leadership skills but also actively cultivating technological literacy, international perspectives, and integrated decision-making capabilities. Being a soldier is not just a profession but a vocation. He urged all faculty and students to bravely shoulder the responsibility of national defense, adapt to future battlefield challenges, and protect national security.

Cabella, the Paraguayan exchange student, told reporters she is currently a fourth-year student in the Department of Information Engineering at the ROC Military Academy. Having participated in a cultural exchange program in the United States during high school, she has long been interested in international exchange programs. Among her four years of training, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) combat casualty care course left the deepest impression.

Cabella said the high-intensity training taught her how to quickly assess injuries and administer first aid in emergencies, and she deeply appreciated the importance of teamwork. She ranked fifth in this course. She also served as a drill instructor during basic training, helping new recruits adapt to military life and conduct weapons training, which enhanced her leadership and Chinese communication skills.

Cabella emphasized that she hopes her experience can inspire more people who, like her, are courageously pursuing dreams in foreign lands. 'Wearing a military uniform means remembering the honor we carry. Hold your head high and shine on life's stage,' she said.

The ROC Military Academy stated that, facing changing times and new threats, it must learn from history, continue the beliefs of martyrs, remain loyal to its duties and mission, and continuously improve in combat training, national defense, and the protection of citizens' safety. It aims to strengthen unity and cohesion, dedicating steadfast strength to national peace, stability, and social prosperity. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150616

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