Hundreds of retired military officers and soldiers were seen goose stepping in a parade in front of the Presidential Office Building in downtown Taipei on Sunday. It was the first time the high-stepping style of march was seen in Taiwan’s capital city since the military discontinued it in formal parades back in 2003.
Sunday's parade was organized entirely by civilians in the hope of boosting morale and encouraging positive attitudes toward the country. The veterans – all in their 50s or older – practiced for seven week to perfect their marching skills.
A large crowd turned out to watch the parade, including former First Lady Chow Mei-ching and Kuomintang Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu.
A drum section and a fleet of large motorcycles also joined in the parade.