The English edition of Echoing Footsteps, an international monograph that comprehensively records the lifestyle and personal stories of the U.S. military stationed in Taichung during the 1960s, was officially launched on October 14. The book launch was inaugurated by Chen Chia-Chun, Director of the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau, and former Deputy Mayor Bruce Linghu, marking the book’s debut on the international stage in its English edition. Through this English edition, the book brings the unique cultural landscape shaped by U.S. aid in Taichung to a global audience, showcasing the city’s diverse charm at the intersection of history.
Director Chen said, “Conveying historical memory with warmth!” Echoing Footsteps is set against the backdrop of the U.S. military presence in Taiwan from the 1950s to 1960s. It traces key sites—from the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Model Village, Dayang Oil Depot, and the American New Village to the U.S. Information Division—meticulously depicting the lifestyle memories and cultural influences left by U.S. forces in Taichung. Originally published in 2022 by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the book aimed to present historical memory in a tactile and heartfelt manner. Following its well-received reception, and with the attention and support of Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen, the English edition was initiated last year and has now been officially released, continuing the historical narrative of this cross-national cultural exchange.
Director Chen expressed gratitude to the many citizens who contributed valuable photographic materials, enabling the book to vividly recreate memories of the era, including historical scenes such as apple bread and Meicun Road—both significant imprints of Taichung’s urban culture. The book not only holds considerable historical value, but the author’s accessible and engaging narrative allows readers to feel the human warmth behind the stories. The Chinese edition was further recognized in 2023 by the Taiwan Historica of Academia Historica, receiving an Honorable Mention for promoting documentary publications.
Former Deputy Mayor Bruce Linghu said that during his tenure as Taichung’s Deputy Mayor, he was responsible for international affairs and the reception of foreign guests. At that time, he became particularly aware of the valuable historical materials and photographs preserved at the U.S. Air Force in CCK AFB Footprint Museum, and deeply appreciated how this history attests to Taichung’s significant role during the Cold War. With Mayor Lu’s support, the Chinese edition of Echoing Footsteps was published, capturing the human warmth embedded in the city’s memory. Meanwhile, the release of the English edition not only allows international readers to better understand Taichung’s historical and cultural heritage, but also symbolizes the enduring friendship and exchanges between Taiwan and the United States, carrying profound significance.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that the English edition is titled Echoing Footsteps of the American Military Presence in Taiwan: Taichung in the 1960s. Its publication was initiated through the efforts of former Deputy Mayor Bruce Linghu, who has long been dedicated to Taiwan–U.S. exchanges. Having served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, and Director-General of the Department of North American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he actively supported the translation and publication of the monograph to promote cultural dialogue between Taichung and the international community, with the goal of helping a wider global audience understand Taichung’s historical context.
The book’s content is the result of extensive historical research and fieldwork, combining oral interviews with licensed photographic materials. It approaches everyday life of Taichung under U.S. military influence from multiple perspectives, including architecture, food, and music. Examples include “apple bread” and “rose pie” at the time, the streetscapes of Zhongmei Street and Meicun Road, as well as landmarks such as the American New Village and Tuku Village U.S. military barracks—sites that are collective memory of many. The book also features a specially compiled “U.S. Military in Taichung” historical tour and walking map, allowing readers to retrace these locations and personally experience a cross-generational connection to the city’s past.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that, to broaden the book’s visibility and reach, the English edition is now simultaneously available on international e-book platforms such as Rakuten Kobo, and will gradually be made available for borrowing at libraries across Taichung’s districts. Through this monograph, it is hoped that the world can gain insight into Taichung’s cultural heritage and city stories, while further understanding the city’s unique historical role and developmental trajectory during the Cold War, thereby extending its cultural influence.