TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taichung Cultural Affairs Bureau hosted a launch event on Tuesday for the English edition of the book “Echoing footsteps of the American military presence in Taiwan: Taichung in the 1960s,” by Hsiung I-ping (熊一蘋).
Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Chia-chun (陳佳君) said in her remarks that the book records the living memories and cultural impact of American servicemen in Taichung, CNA reported. Beyond its historical value, the stories are told in a warm and accessible style, Chen said.
The cultural affairs bureau said the book, originally published in 2022, was the result of extensive historical research and fieldwork. It combines oral histories and authorized photographs to present Taichung’s daily life under the influence of the US military from multiple perspectives, including architecture, food, and music.
The Mandarin edition was recognized with an Award of Merit in 2023 in the “popular history publications” category by Taiwan Historica.
Former Taichung Deputy Mayor Linghu Jung-ta (令狐榮達) said that after the outbreak of the Vietnam War, large numbers of American troops were stationed at Ching Chuan Kang Air Force Base. Many of their experiences and memories remain part of Taichung’s collective heritage, leaving a lasting influence on the city.
He said the new English edition will introduce the history of Taichung’s interactions with the US military to international readers and serve as a valuable reference for understanding Taiwan–US relations.
City Councilor Huang Shou-ta (黃守達) added that his office is located in Taichung’s West District, an area full of traces of US military presence. Street names such as Meichun Road (American Village Road) and Zhongmei Street (Sino-American Street) reflect the deep history of bilateral exchanges.
He hoped that this shared past would help more people appreciate the friendship between Taiwan and the US and keep that bond alive for generations to come.
