The day began with light drizzle and an overcast sky. But by 10 a.m., when a quarter million people, including foreign guests and overseas Chinese representatives, had gathered in the Presidential Plaza in Taipei to celebrate the Republic of China's 68th National Day on Oct. 10, the sky had cleared.
The ceremony opened with a speech by Nieh Wen-ya, president of the Legislative Yuan, who presided over the rally. He told the assembly that the Republic of China had been subjected to the most severe tests this year, but the nation had become more united than ever under the leadership of its capable government.
The highlight of the National Day rally was the presentation of an F5E squadron, totaling 18 of the jet fighters, to President Chiang Ching-kuo. President Chiang accepted a model of one of the fighters from Chen Chi-liang, a student of the National Taiwan University, who headed a 17-member mission composed of citizens representing all walks of life. The ceremony was completed with a flyover of the F5E squadron, which roared over the review stand and the cheering crowds in two echelons at low altitude.
In a brief address after the presentation, President Chiang said, "These aircraft provide a maximum expression of the patriotism and determination of the whole body of our fellow countrymen. This demonstrates that the more difficult the times, the greater our concentration of willpower and strength."
The donation of the planes marked the culmination of a nationwide drive to contribute to the National Defense Fund set in motion since Dec. 16 last year, when the Carter administration announced its decision to shift diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Peiping. As the fund kept snowballing, President Chiang announced last March that part of the money would be used to acquire 18 F5Es, which would be shown to the public in a flyover on Double Tenth Day. Donations to the National Defense Fund are still pouring in from home and abroad. According to the Ministry of Finance, the fund has now exceeded NT$3,361 million (US$93.36 million).
On the eve of National Day, a party was held at the China Sports and Cultural Activity Center in Taipei to welcome the overseas Chinese. An "Allegiance and Self-Reliance Rally" was later presided over by Mo Sung-nien, chairman of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission. President Chiang Ching-kuo addressed the 20,000 people, including 12,000 overseas Chinese attending the rally. In giving a warm welcome to the overseas Chinese returning home, the President said: "the overseas Chinese are making their contribution with hard work in every country and region and at every occupation. Their great personality has been expressed in patriotism and fraternity and has convinced the world that the Chinese are a virtuous people. The overseas Chinese are actually ambassadors of Chinese culture and models of fortitude for the struggle of the Chinese people. They have portrayed in blood and sweat the image of the people of the Republic of China as ‘benevolent people who are never troubled, wise people who are never confused and courageous people who are never frightened," the President said.
"We welcome our compatriots from overseas to join us in national development," he said. "To share with us the fruits of national development and to criticize here the shortcomings of our endeavors."
More than 30,000 overseas Chinese from all over the world returned to their motherland for the celebration. During their stay in the Republic of China, they visited economic and cultural construction projects and were deeply impressed by the strength and high morale they saw in the country. Lai Hsiang-kuei, an overseas Chinese from New Jersey in the U.S., said she was delighted to see the nation had remained prosperous and progressive despite the severance of diplomatic relations between the Republic of China and the United States. Chen Kwang-shen from Thailand also pointed out that the backwardness on the China mainland is in sharp contrast to the prosperity in the Republic of China. All of them regard the Republic of China as their mother country.
A 30-minute march past which took place during the self-reliance rally in the Presidential Plaza on the morning of Oct. 10, brought prolonged applause from an audience of some 2,000 foreign guests, overseas Chinese representatives, government officials and people's representatives. Groups taking part in the parade included the armed forces band, military academy cadets, university and high school students, guards of honor of the armed forces and of the Kinmen and Matsu self-defense teams, male and female police volunteers, representatives of freedom seekers, religious officials, overseas Chinese and many representatives of the 2.5 million reservists. Millions of people saw the parade broadcast live on television and over the radio.
In the afternoon, a series of group performances got under way in the Presidential Plaza, including an entertainment program by high school students and lively dancing display by aborigines showing their appreciation for the prosperity they are enjoying. Later, members of the Li Tang-hua Acrobatics troupe, who have taken part in many overseas tours, showed their skills in high-wire acts, bicycle stunts and juggling displays. The final and most vigorous program was "Lions and Dragons Symbolizing Glory," with two multi-colored lions, 10 silver lions, and five dragons performing to the accompaniment of fire crackers being set off.
To extend the celebrations to the compatriots on the mainland, a large number of electronic watches made in Taiwan were released by balloon from the offshore island of Matsu. The watches are waterproof, and engraved with the plum flower, national symbol of the Republic of China on the reverse and on the wrist bands. "We are sending these watches to our compatriots so they may share our joy on the Double Tenth National Day," a government official stated. Costing NT$3,200 (US$90) each, the watches are the most expensive gifts ever sent to the mainland in this way. The gifts were accompanied by other consumer items and leaflets which included President Chiang Ching-kuo's call to Communist Servicemen to rise up against the Peiping regime, and reports of the achievements of Free China.
National Day celebrations this year had a special significance. Despite the break in formal relations, cooperation between the Republic of China and the United States has become increasingly close, and the U.S. is continuing its sales of defensive weapons. But unexpected changes in the world situation will certainly throw up more obstacles in the nation's progress. As President Chiang said in his National Day message: "In the last 68 years, the Republic of China has experienced all manner of hardships, overcome countless difficulties and courageously defeated many adversaries. ...Under the leadership of our National Founding Father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and the late President Chiang Kai-shek, and with the unwavering solidarity and fearless sacrifices of our people, we have broken through one time of crisis after another and again and again have overcome danger and achieved peace... In celebrating our 68th National Day, government and people of the Republic of China are united in self-reliance and prepared to wipe out Communism tyranny, recover the mainland... We shall struggle to the end and fight on until victory."
[Picture Caption]
President Chiang Ching-kuo delivers his message at the National Day rally attended by some 250,000 people in the Presidential Plaza in Taipei.
Six of the 18 F5E jet fighters of the Self-Reliance Squadron fly over the Presidential Plaza.
The ceremony reaches a peak when President Chiang Ching-kuo is presented with a scale model of a jet fighter representing the Self-Reliance Squadron of 18 F5E purchased by private citizens. Since the U.S. switched relations to Peiping, donations to the National Defense Fund have totaled US$93 million.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
In celebration of the Double Tenth National Day, ceremonial arches were erected in the Presidential Plaza. Pictures left show these arches illuminated at night. President Chiang Ching-kuo waving to the audience at the "Allegiance and Self-Reliance Rally" held for overseas Chinese returning home to attend the celebration activities for the National Day.
On the afternoon of National Day, some 2,500 performers present an entertainment program in the Presidential Plaza to show appreciation for the prosperity they are enjoying. About 30,000 people watch the program.
President Chiang Ching-kuo delivers his message at the National Day rally attended by some 250,000 people in the Presidential Plaza in Taipei.
Six of the 18 F5E jet fighters of the Self-Reliance Squadron fly over the Presidential Plaza.
The ceremony reaches a peak when President Chiang Ching-kuo is presented with a scale model of a jet fighter representing the Self-Reliance Squadron of 18 F5E purchased by private citizens. Since the U.S. switched relations to Peiping, donations to the National Defense Fund have totaled US$93 million.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
A total of 5,411 people from all sectors of the community stage an impressive self-strengthening parade in the Presidential Plaza.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
Some 30,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the holidays lasting from the birthday anniversary of Confucius on September 28, to that of Dr. Sun Yat-sen on November 12. Under the arrangements of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, they visited scenic spots, national construction projects and military training bases.
In celebration of the Double Tenth National Day, ceremonial arches were erected in the Presidential Plaza. Pictures left show these arches illuminated at night. President Chiang Ching-kuo waving to the audience at the "Allegiance and Self-Reliance Rally" held for overseas Chinese returning home to attend the celebration activities for the National Day.
In celebration of the Double Tenth National Day, ceremonial arches were erected in the Presidential Plaza. Pictures left show these arches illuminated at night. President Chiang Ching-kuo waving to the audience at the "Allegiance and Self-Reliance Rally" held for overseas Chinese returning home to attend the celebration activities for the National Day.
In celebration of the Double Tenth National Day, ceremonial arches were erected in the Presidential Plaza. Pictures left show these arches illuminated at night. President Chiang Ching-kuo waving to the audience at the "Allegiance and Self-Reliance Rally" held for overseas Chinese returning home to attend the celebration activities for the National Day.
In celebration of the Double Tenth National Day, ceremonial arches were erected in the Presidential Plaza. Pictures left show these arches illuminated at night. President Chiang Ching-kuo waving to the audience at the "Allegiance and Self-Reliance Rally" held for overseas Chinese returning home to attend the celebration activities for the National Day.
On the afternoon of National Day, some 2,500 performers present an entertainment program in the Presidential Plaza to show appreciation for the prosperity they are enjoying. About 30,000 people watch the program.
On the afternoon of National Day, some 2,500 performers present an entertainment program in the Presidential Plaza to show appreciation for the prosperity they are enjoying. About 30,000 people watch the program.
On the afternoon of National Day, some 2,500 performers present an entertainment program in the Presidential Plaza to show appreciation for the prosperity they are enjoying. About 30,000 people watch the program.
On the afternoon of National Day, some 2,500 performers present an entertainment program in the Presidential Plaza to show appreciation for the prosperity they are enjoying. About 30,000 people watch the program.
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