Ambassador Bellocchi’s memorial service: Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, lauds Bellocchi’s contributions to world peace

Natale H. Bellocchi, former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), passed away peacefully at his home in Maryland on Nov. 16, 2014. He was 88.  His memorial service was held on Nov. 29 at the Church of the Little Flower in Maryland.  The Catholic memorial service was

attended by leaders from all circles in Washington D.C., including representative of AIT/Washington Headquarters, H.E. Dr. Lyushun Shen, the Ambassador of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, Taiwanese Americans in Washington, friends of Ambassador Bellocchi, etc.  Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, also attended the function to say farewell to him.

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze knew Ambassador Bellocchi for years.  Ambassador Bellocchi praised Tai Ji Men for the

	Dr. Hong Tao-Tze has known Ambassador Bellocchi for years.  Ambassador Bellocchi praised Tai Ji Men for the promotion of Chinese culture, and Dr. Hong praised Ambassador Bellocchi for his contributions to enhancing U.S.-Taiwan relations over the past decades.

promotion of Chinese culture, and Dr. Hong praised Ambassador Bellocchi for his contributions to enhancing U.S.-Taiwan relations over the past decades.  After retiring from AIT, Ambassador Bellocchi continued to follow Taiwan’s democratic development with keen interest and rallied more international support for Taiwan.  During the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, Ambassador Bellocchi helped defuse the missile crisis, which contributed greatly to peace in Taiwan, the U.S. and the world.

Dr. Hong led representatives of Tai Ji Men dizi from Canada, California, and Washington to attend Ambassador Bellocchi’s memorial service.  Dr. Hong delivered his condolences and a letter of condolence to Mrs. Lilan Bellocchi, widow of Ambassador Bellocchi.  Dr. Hong acknowledged Ambassador Bellocchi’s contribution to the world as he wrote “A great man that will be forever remembered” in the Guestbook. Dr. Hong told Mrs. Bellocchi, “Throughout Ambassador Bellocchi’s life, he had made great contribution to the peace in Taiwan, the U.S. and the world.”  Dr. Hong’s words warmed Mrs. Bellocchi’s heart, and she expressed her gratitude to Dr. Hong for leading his dizi to pay tribute to Bellocchi. 

The church was filled with memorial wreaths for Ambassador Bellocchi, and historically significant photos of Ambassador Bellocchi were on display.  A public viewing was held as attendees said their farewells to Ambassador Bellocchi.  Luke Bellocchi, son of Ambassador Bellocchi, said that Ambassador Bellocchi lost his father at the age of 13.  Although Ambassador Bellocchi was often away from home working for the country, he still tried his best to be present for his children when they were growing up.  Luke said that he felt that his father was always by his side.  The memorial service was very peaceful and solemn.