The 113th National Day Celebration of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was held on October 10, where President Lai Ching-te delivered an address titled “Taiwan Together for Our Shared Dream”. During his address, President Lai highlighted the importance of enhancing a self-reliant defense, aiming to safeguard national security through deterrence. President Lai noted that our forebears overthrew the Qing Dynasty 113 years ago to establish a democratic republic of the people, by the people, and for the people, with the hope of establishing a nation built on the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Today, the people of Taiwan gather to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China, cheering not only for the beauty that Taiwan embodies today but also for embracing a bigger and brighter future.
The 113th National Day Celebration was held at the plaza in front of the Presidential Palace and was presided over by Han Kuo-yu, President of the Legislative Yuan. President Lai, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Executive Yuan Premier Cho Jung-tai, and delegations from countries with diplomatic relations were also invited. In addition, Taiwanese at home and abroad, friends of Taiwan, joined together to celebrate the National Day.
The celebrations opened with a roaring flyover by Brave Eagle jet trainers, followed by performances from the ROC Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra, Honor Guard of the ROC, Army Academy ROC Warriors Drum Team, military mascots, CPBL cheerleaders, and the Military Police’s Quick Reaction Company. Furthermore, the ROC Military Academy rugby team raised a massive national flag to honor Taiwanese athletes who competed in this year’s Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The celebrations concluded spectacularly with a flyover by the Thunder Tigers Aerobatics Team, releasing trails of blue, white, and red smoke.
As the veterans of the Battle of Guningtou - Ou Yang-chun, Lan Yu-chang, and Wang Hua-yueh - and members of the Nibun Chorus, Baolai Junior High School, Laonong Elementary School, and JianShan Primary School sang the national anthem together, a ROC Army Aviation CH-47SD transport helicopter flew an enormous national flag across the viewing stand. Set against the backdrop of the national anthem, such an image exemplifies the strength and will of the ROC.
Source: Youth Daily News (2024.10.10)