Well before dawn, people started to gather in the streets around the Presidential Plaza in Taipei. Soon, the plaza itself began to fill up. By the time the flag was raised in the glare of searchlights at 6:30 a.m., 150,000 people had assembled, some weeping openly, others saluting, and all watching with pride. In this way did the people of the Republic of China celebrate the beginning of the New Year on the morning of Jan. 1 this year.
As they made their way through the streets, people could be heard exchanging greetings. "Good morning! On your way to the flag raising?" A spirit of togetherness and brotherhood could be felt everywhere. One man was waiting with his two children for a taxi when a car pulled up and the woman driver asked, "Are you going to the flag-raising ceremony? If you are, I'll give you a ride." Many taxi drivers took their passengers to the plaza free of charge, since they were on their way there in any case.
By 6 a.m. the plaza was full of people waving flags in an impressive show of patriotism. Suddenly, the Ministry of National Defense Parade Band and the Combined Services' Honor Guard marched into the plaza, followed by children with their heads held high and chests thrust forward.
At 6:30, after the master of ceremonies announced, "The flag-raising ceremony marking the start of the 72nd year of the Republic of China will begin," everyone in the plaza stood at attention and sang the national anthem. The harmony and solemnity of the singing as it echoed through the plaza was truly moving. After the flag had been raised, everyone was overcome with a feeling of warmth, and some dabbed away tears as they reverently sang the "National Flag Song." This was followed by the shouting of slogans. The spectacle of 150,000 people singing together with one heart moved many people to tears. It is hard for anyone who did not personally participate to imagine the scene.
When it came time to sing "Plum Blossom" and "The Republic of China Song" even old men and women who had never sung before in their lives, joined in. As the words "Plum blossoms, plum blossoms, cover the earth; the colder it gets the more they bloom. . ." and "As long as the Yellow and Yangtse Rivers continue to flow, the Republic of China will remain, until eternity. . ." were sung, the emotions of the people in the crowd were clearly shown.
After the ceremony, the crowd dispersed, with most people heading toward the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial or the Taipei New Park. To the pounding of drums, a hundred-foot dragon appeared in the plaza to give a performance of the famed dragon dance.
Many other activities were held to celebrate the New Year. Starting at 9 a.m. at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, there was a song festival, folk dancing display, carnival, lion and dragon dances, and a concert of traditional Chinese music. At about 10 a.m. people congregated at the Taipei New Park to view an outdoor painting exhibition and a handicrafts show, and to listen to folk singers and other musical performances. In another area of Taipei, a weekend flower market held a show which lasted throughout the three-day weekend.
This was the fifth year that the public has attended the New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony. The tradition started in 1978, just after the United States broke off diplomatic relations with the Republic of China. To show their confidence in their country and its future, people spontaneously gathered in the Presidential Plaza. The crowds have grown larger every year as the event gained fame, and people from all over the island come to show their support for the government and love for their country.
This year, Premier Sun Yun-suan, accompanied by his wife and grand-children and Secretary-General to the President, Adm. Ma Chi-chuang, with his granddaughter, attended the ceremony. Chen Ching-fa, a factory worker from Chiayi, brought his entire family all the way from southern Taiwan. Chen observed that in the past, he had only been able to watch the ceremony on television or read about it in the newspapers. He felt he had no choice but to come to Taipei this year to show his love for his country.
As they continued to sing in the plaza until well after daybreak, the people were able to express feelings of patriotism which had been building up for the entire year. They were also able to display their hopes for the New Year in the Republic of China.
[Picture Caption]
1. When the Combined Services Honor Guard left the Presidential Plaza marking the end of the flag-raising ceremony, the crowd dispersed in every direction. 2. Even foreigners were moved by the ceremony. 3. Premier Sun Yun-suan and his wife brought their grandson to the ceremony. 4. The National Defense Parade Band played stirring martial music. 5. Many youngsters took part in the ceremony.
1. Secretary-General to the President, Adm. Ma Chi-chuang and his granddaughter. 2. Young and old all came to witness the raising of the flag. This youngster seems to understand the meaning of patriotism. 3. Over 3,000 representatives of youth groups throughout the country and from overseas Chinese organizations gathered together the night before and then marched together to the plaza. 4. Many people went to view and photograph the decorated Presidential Building on New Year's Eve. 5,6. Handicapped youth, movie stars, and anti-communist defectors all joined in.
After the ceremony there were many activities and shows: 1. The Lion Dance. 2. The Chinese yo-yo. 3. A hot air balloon and glider demonstration.
Even foreigners were moved by the ceremony.
Premier Sun Yun-suan and his wife brought their grandson to the ceremony.
The National Defense Parade Band played stirring martial music.
Many youngsters took part in the ceremony.
Secretary-General to the President, Adm. Ma Chi-chuang and his granddaughter.
Young and old all came to witness the raising of the flag. This youngster seems to understand the meaning of patriotism.
Over 3,000 representatives of youth groups throughout the country and from overseas Chinese organizations gathered together the night before and then marched together to the plaza.
Many people went to view and photograph the decorated Presidential Building on New Year's Eve.
Handicapped youth, movie stars, and anti-communist defectors all joined in.
Handicapped youth, movie stars, and anti-communist defectors all joined in.
The Lion Dance.
The Chinese yo-yo.
A hot air balloon and glider demonstration.
