Keelung Honors Fallen Soldiers in Historic 142nd Sino-French War Memorial
- East Asia Delegation
- Aug 22
- 1 min read
KEELUNG, Taiwan — Keelung marked the 142nd anniversary of the Sino-French War with its annual memorial service at the French Cemetery, honoring the fallen soldiers and underscoring the harbor city’s long-standing tradition of cultural inclusivity.
The ceremony remains a cornerstone of the historic Keelung Mid-Autumn (Ghost) Festival, serving as a rare international tribute embedded within local cultural festivities. Representatives from the French Office in Taipei attended the solemn gathering, with the office's director highlighting the global uniqueness of the tradition.
"Keelung is the only place in the world that holds an annual ceremony of this kind to honor the French soldiers who lost their lives in the 1884–1885 conflict," the director noted, reiterating the office's commitment to attending the memorial every year.
Fr. Arturo, CMF, was also among the attendees, joining local leaders, international guests, and residents to pay tribute. The presence of diverse faith leaders and foreign diplomats reflects Keelung’s enduring spirit of multiculturalism and historical reconciliation.
What began as a 19th-century naval conflict has evolved into a symbol of peace, memory, and tolerance. Local organizers emphasized that integrating the memorial into the broader Mid-August/Ghost Festival traditions reflects the city's foundational values: honoring all souls regardless of origin and embracing a rich, multi-layered heritage.
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