On October 5th, the Taiwanese community in Queens, New York, came together to celebrate the 113th National Day of the Republic of China with an exciting event called “Democracy and Freedom: United We Stand” at PS 20 in Flushing. This festive occasion featured a flag-raising ceremony, a rally, and a community fair, drawing a large crowd of expatriates and local residents eager to honor this significant holiday.
The festivities kicked off with a captivating flag-raising ceremony that included a series of lively performances, blending traditional and modern elements. Students from the Greater New York Youth Cultural Ambassador program energized the audience with their dynamic dance routines, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Taiwanese and American youth. The atmosphere peaked during the traditional “San Tai Zi” performance, which added a cultural richness to the celebration.
Following the performances, members of the Double Tenth National Day flag team and the Chinese American Dream Team stepped forward, proudly carrying the flags of the United States and the Republic of China. As the national anthems played, attendees stood in solemn respect, witnessing the majestic raising of both flags—a moment filled with deep emotion and reverence.
Lynn Ying-Chun, the chairperson of the 113th Double Tenth National Day Preparatory Committee, reflected on the celebration’s history in Queens, which has thrived for more than 30 years. She expressed her unwavering commitment to the event, stating, “No matter the challenges we face, our community has stood firm in its belief in the Republic of China.” Lynn mentioned that although the celebration was initially set to take place indoors, it was moved outdoors due to unexpected circumstances, yet the community’s spirit remained undeterred. “In the past, we may not have recognized the full significance of the flag-raising, but being abroad amplifies our longing for our homeland,” she noted. “As long as Taiwan needs us, we will always stand united.”
Li Zhiqiang, director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, addressed the audience, sharing that this was his first experience attending the Double Tenth flag-raising in the U.S. He highlighted the event’s vibrancy and encouraged ongoing support for the Republic of China. Zhu Chaoran, president of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, shared his memories of Sun Yat-sen’s impactful visit to the association in 1911, which inspired many overseas Chinese to embrace his revolutionary ideals.
The event also welcomed notable individuals such as Su Chunhuai, president of the New York Taiwanese Association, and Chen Yongfeng, director of the Chinese American Educational and Cultural Service Center, along with state senators and assembly members, all of whom expressed their support for the Double Tenth festivities.
After the flag-raising ceremony concluded, the celebratory rally commenced, showcasing a vibrant array of performances including diabolo, Hakka opera, campus folk songs, and patriotic Taiwanese songs. Attendees were delighted with $4 coupons to savor Taiwanese delicacies at the fair, including rice noodle soup, meatball soup, oily rice, and Taiwanese sausage, contributing to a lively and festive atmosphere.
