Among those returning for the anniversary events was Hung Mo-hsiung, 75, who served on the island in 1964./Photo courtesy of CNA
Taipei, July 22 (CNA) A group of veterans who served in Kinmen nearly 40 years ago returned there Saturday to take part in activities that are being held to mark the 60th anniversary an artillery bombardment of the island by China's military.
Wearing caps marked "A nostalgia trip of the 643 Battalion", the 31 vets began singing a military song as they arrived at Shangyi Airport on the island accompanied by relatives.
At a special reception desk at the airport, each veteran was presented with a bottle of Kinmen's signature kaoliang liquor.
Bai Hai-chin, who was leader of the 643 battalion, said he had two tours of duty in Kinmen -- in 1978 and 1980 -- and made many friends there.
The Kinmen County government is holding a series of events until Dec. 25 for veterans and their families in commemoration of the bombardment of the island on Aug. 23, 1958 by Chinese Communist artillery forces.
Among those returning for the anniversary events was Hung Mo-hsiung (洪末雄), 75, who served on the island in 1964. Now confined to a wheelchair and accompanied by 12 family members, he was carrying a collection of photos he had taken of Kinmen when he was stationed there.
