When Japan invaded Chinese territory in mainland China once again, an Anti-Japanese War lasting eight years began amid bloodshed and gunfire, sacrificing the lives of many of our nation’s excellent soldiers, many of whom were men with wives and children back home, who had become fathers.
The men who picked up their rifles and went to the battlefield were not only protecting the nation of the Republic of China but also protecting their beloved wives and children from the brutal abuses of the Japanese.
Some never even had the chance to dote on their own children as fathers before heading to the battlefield with a father’s identity, ultimately perishing in wild grass and weeds, never getting to see their own children for even one moment…
Caption: Origins of Republic of China Father’s Day (troops saluting)
Caption: Origins of Republic of China Father’s Day (troops marching)
Because our nation had this group of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, safeguarding the sovereignty of the Republic of China, liberating Taiwan, and protecting our dignity, many families lost their fathers’ support.
To honor these people’s sacrifices and dedication, the nation specially proposed designating “August 8” as Father’s Day, thus also called the Eight-Eight Day (Dad’s Day)!
On August 8, the 34th year of the ROC (1945), as the Anti-Japanese War situation gradually cleared, patriotic citizens in Shanghai initiated “Father’s Day” to commend and commemorate fathers who sacrificed themselves for the nation on the battlefield.
After World War II ended and the Anti-Japanese War was won, leaders of various circles in Shanghai, respected gentry such as Wu Chi-hui, Li Shih-tseng, Pan Gong-chan, and Tu Yueh-sheng, deeply felt the importance of Father’s Day and saw the necessity of promoting Father’s Day celebrations. Thus, they jointly petitioned the Shanghai Municipal Government to submit to the central government requesting that August 8 each year be designated as Father’s Day, with the mandate circulated throughout the nation.
Father’s Day is set for August 8 each year because “Eight-Eight” sounds similar to Dad in Chinese. Moreover, when the characters “Eight-Eight” are written consecutively, they visually resemble the character for “Father.” Therefore, August 8 was designated as Father’s Day; also called the “Eight-Eight Day” (“Dad’s Day”).