Taiwan's military held a banquet honoring outstanding soldiers and their families ahead of the September 3 Armed Forces Day, a goodwill gesture aimed at strengthening public support for the armed forces.

• Defense Minister Wellington Koo called for "the military loving the people, and the people respecting the military" to become part of everyday life.
• Business leaders joined the Armed Forces Friends Association in hosting model soldiers, award winners, and their families in Taipei.
• Koo credited military families for the quiet sacrifices that keep troops united and combat-ready.
• Association head Huang Cheng-tsung said soldiers carry the burden of national security without complaint, and pledged to rally more civilian backing for the ranks.

Outlook: Expect more public shows of support for Taiwan's military around the September 3 holiday as the government keeps pushing to shore up civilian morale behind national defense.