On January 1st, the overseas Chinese community in the Golden Mountain Bay Area held a grand flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 114th founding anniversary of the Republic of China at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center. The event attracted many elected officials from the South Bay area and nearly 800 overseas Chinese who enthusiastically participated. The ceremony was organized by the Golden Mountain Bay Area Republic of China National Day Committee.
The South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center was bustling with excitement on that day. At exactly 10 o’clock, the flag-raising ceremony officially began, kicking off with an inspiring drum performance to welcome the spring. Following that, Chairman Ye Yunhe, Director Lai Mingqi, and Director Zhuang Yashu took their respective positions.
The flag bearers of the Republic of China from the Golden Mountain Bay Area, along with the Naval Officer Candidate School flag unit and the Air Force Da Peng flag unit, solemnly escorted the flags of the United States and the Republic of China into the venue. The flag was raised by the Boy Scout Troop 468, accompanied by a performance of the national anthems of both the U.S. and the Republic of China by the National Taiwan University Alumni Choir. The atmosphere was dignified and fervent.
After the flag-raising ceremony concluded, under the guidance of the auspicious lion, guests and attendees walked into the grand hall of the Overseas Chinese Education Center together. Chairman Ye Yunhe of the Golden Mountain Bay Area National Day Committee delivered a speech, emphasizing that the flag-raising ceremony symbolizes their commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace, expressing gratitude for the support and inclusiveness of American society. He expressed hope for the deepening of Taiwan-U.S. friendship, joining hands to address global challenges and pursue peace and prosperity. In the new year, the National Day Committee will further unite overseas Chinese and promote cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S.
Director Lai Mingqi of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco stated that Taiwan had achieved many accomplishments in the past year but also faced various challenges, showcasing the spirit of “fortitude in the face of adversity, and courage to move forward.” Taiwan successfully conducted peaceful presidential elections, being ranked as a free country for 26 consecutive years and becoming the happiest country in East Asia.
Ranked 8th globally in competitiveness, with a $130 billion U.S.-Taiwan trade volume, the relationship between the two nations continued to deepen. However, Taiwan still faced difficulties in participating in international organizations and daunting diplomatic challenges. He expressed hope for continued support from overseas Chinese to embrace the new challenges in the 114th year and create a better future together.
Director Zhuang Yashu, in her address, expressed emotional sentiments as she watched the flag of the Republic of China fluttering in the wind with its white sun, blue sky, and red ground, symbolizing the deep friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. She attributed Taiwan’s achievements in the past year to the efforts and support of overseas Chinese, calling for everyone to join hands in safeguarding the Republic of China and creating a prosperous and peaceful future.
Subsequently, Finance Minister Deng Zhuozhao spoke on behalf of the Northern Bay Area, emphasizing the sacredness and preciousness of freedom, urging all to cherish and defend existing rights and freedoms to prevent the disappearance of democracy and liberty.
Guests then exchanged New Year’s greetings, engaged in group blessings, and cut a cake to welcome the new year together. The subsequent celebration programs were diverse and magnificent, including melodious performances on the guzheng, graceful dances by the American California Line Dance Association and the Feather in the Wind group, a thrilling performance by the FASCA Three Princes Drum Team, and the energetic dance performance of “Brave Taiwan.” The event concluded amidst the enthusiastic singing of the “Republic of China Anthem” and “Plum Blossoms” by the entire audience.
The event was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including Group Leader Guo Huizhen and spouse, Group Leader Yan Hongwei and family, Secretary Zheng Yaxun and spouse, Deputy Group Leader Hou Guonan, Secretary of Overseas Chinese Affairs Xu Caifeng, Deputy Mayor Miao Bida Gary Barbadillo, Councilors Hon Lien, Evelyn Chua, and William Lam, former Mayor of Fremont High Su Jiajia, Councilor Shao Yang from Fremont, and Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioners Li Wenxiong and spouses, Wei Dezhen, Wu Yiming and spouse, Lin Zhengyuan and spouse, Lu Manjing from Michigan, and Ambassador Lee Shiming’s wife Su Xinyuan, all gathering to attend the grand event.