Seehafer cites ‘common bonds’ during Taiwan visit
American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei today, where the two leaders discussed national security, veterans issues and the importance of the alliance between the United States and the Republic of China.
Prior to their meeting, Seehafer was given Taiwan’s prestigious Medal of Honor award by its Veterans Affairs Council.
“There are a few signature moments from a national commander’s term in office that really stand out,” Seehafer said after receiving the honor. “I know that this is one that I will always remember.”
Alluding to the threat to the island posed by the People’s Republic of China, Seehafer referenced President Lincoln’s quote, “Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”
Seehafer pointed out that the Communist regime in the mainland has “might” when it comes to weapons, but that alone is not enough.
“Taiwan, on the other hand, has ‘right’ on its side,” he said. “Free speech, free elections and the freedom to worship are just a few of our common values. You also have a well-trained and dedicated military, along with powerful friends and allies.”.
Seehafer’s Taiwan visit follows a three-day tour of Vietnam, where Seehafer and American Legion National Security Division staff met with U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency personnel.
The American Legion remains committed to achieving a full accounting of all U.S. servicemembers from all war eras who are either imprisoned or listed as missing in action. As part of this commitment, it encourages a return of living POWs, repatriation of the remains of the fallen from war zones abroad, or a determination through convincing evidence that neither is possible, as per Resolution 22 from the 99th National Convention.
Seehafer’s delegation heads to South Korea Saturday, where they will visit U.S. troops before going to Hawaii for memorial observances of the Pearl Harbor attack.