Reprinted from Youth Daily News
By Sun Chien-ping, Kaohsiung
The Republic of China Naval Academy recently held its Class of 115 Graduation and Academic Credential Conferment Ceremony. Major General Liu, the Commandant, personally presented graduation certificates to each graduating cadet, while faculty members from each academic department performed the traditional tassel-turning ceremony. The event symbolized the successful completion of four years of rigorous military education and professional training, as a new generation of naval officers prepares to leave the academy, embark on their military careers, and dedicate themselves to leading sailors and defending the nation's maritime security.
In addition to welcoming the graduates' families and friends to celebrate this important milestone, the academy also invited Major General Chen, Commander of the Class 115 Friendship Fleet Training Squadron, along with other senior officers, as special guests to express appreciation for their guidance and support during the cadets' overseas training mission. A commemorative video was also presented, showcasing memorable moments from the cadets' four years of training, academic life, and daily routines, as well as heartfelt messages from faculty members and unit leaders. The video, filled with memories of perseverance, achievement, and honor, deeply moved the graduates' families.
Graduates Encouraged to Uphold the Armed Forces' Core Values
In his remarks, Major General Liu encouraged the graduating cadets to always uphold the Armed Forces' core values of "Country, Responsibility, and Honor." He emphasized that after leaving the Naval Academy, they must remain loyal to their country and devoted to their duties, regarding honor as their second life while maintaining the highest standards of conduct and personal integrity.
Whether assigned to the Navy or the Marine Corps, graduates were urged to continue strengthening their professional knowledge and military expertise to become competent naval officers. He also encouraged them to lead by example, embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth, and continually strive to become outstanding leaders.
"The Naval Academy's warranty for you never expires—the academy's gates will always remain open," Major General Liu remarked. He welcomed graduates to return to their alma mater whenever they encounter challenges, setbacks, or need guidance, emphasizing that the academy will always stand behind them as a source of support throughout their military careers.
The ceremony concluded with the entire Class of 115 posing for a commemorative photograph in front of the academy's Spirit Monument. Following academy tradition, the top three graduates, based on academic performance, took the helm and led their classmates on a ceremonial campus procession, singing proudly as they marched toward the full-scale model of the ROCS Tzu Yang. Along the way, underclassmen enthusiastically offered congratulations and a traditional "baptism" of celebration, creating a joyful atmosphere that softened the emotions of farewell and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the graduates' lives.