|
KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou: Let Us Help Each Other to Go Beyond Sorrow and Pain
|
 2014/08/07
Browse：2039
|
KMT Press Release
KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou: Let Us Help Each Other to Go Beyond Sorrow and Pain
KMT Culture and Communications Committee
August 7, 2014
During the weekly KMT Central Standing Committee (CSC) meeting yesterday, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who doubles as KMT Chairman, led KMT CSC members to observe a minute of silence for the victims in the recent plane crash in Penghu and the gas explosions in Kaohsiung.
Chairman Ma stated that when the gas explosions rocked Kaohsiung on July 31, everyone was deeply worried and was praying for Kaohsiung.
Chairman Ma stated that a series of heart-breaking incidents had recently taken place “on the land we live on.” On July 23, a TransAsia Airways passenger plane crashed in Penghu, killing 48 and injuring 15; on July 31, a series of powerful gas explosions in Kaohsiung killed 30 and injured 309, displacing over 80,000 residents from their homes. The Executive Yuan (Cabinet) announced that government agencies across the country began flying national flags at half-mast starting August 5 in mourning for the victims in the two incidents. This is the saddest day in the history of Taiwan. Today, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the victims with a saddened and solemn heart.
Chairman Ma stated that since the day the Kaohsiung gas explosions occurred, all Taiwan people, both at home and abroad, regardless of their communal groups or political persuasion, have shown their sympathy and prayed for Kaohsiung. “Since that moment, everyone has stood with Kaohsiung residents. Taiwan people have demonstrated the milk of human kindness,” stated Chairman Ma.
Chairman Ma stated that many firefighters were seriously injured or even sacrificed themselves in order to save people’s lives. In addition, many citizens, who kindly offered assistance, were also injured. Some even lost their lives. We have also seen that many officers and men have stood fast and rendered service beyond the call of duty in the rescue and relief efforts. For example, a military officer canceled his honeymoon trip just so that he could assist in the rescue and relief efforts, while an enlisted man who had been slated to be discharged from the military on August 6, also chose to stay on to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.
Chairman Ma stated that many people and enterprises were eager to make donations by either offering supplies or accommodations to the victims in the aftermath of the disaster. Many young people called on their friends using the Internet to join the relief efforts. They went to the disaster areas and rolled up their sleeves, working as volunteers in the hope that Kaohsiung people could return to normal life as early as possible.
Chairman Ma stated that no matter how strong the storm was, it would subside. No matter how deep the wound was, it would heal one day. “Let us help each other to go beyond sorrow and pain. Let us see hope through disasters. Once again, I bow and pray. May Heavens help Kaohsiung and Taiwan.”
|
Attachment
: none
|
|