By Scanews staff
More than 300 people gathered together at the Westport Holiday Inn to celebrate the 91th birthday of the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan on October 5, 2002. Led by Dr. Huey-Sheng Shieh, chairperson of the St. Louis ROC National Day Celebration Committee chairman and Ms. Elizabeth Chu, Director General of Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Kansas City, the ceremony successfully sent out the message that the St. Louis Chinese community has a strong connection to Taiwan and support for this beautiful island.
A special medal entitled "Friend of Foreign Affairs" was presented to Dr. Blanche Touhill, Chancellor, University of Missouri - St. Louis at the ceremony by Ms. Elizabeth Chu to show Taiwan's appreciation of Dr. Touhill's long-term and on-going contribution to support Taiwan. Under Dr. Touhill's supervision, UMSL established a Chinese Studies program in the Center of International Studies. UMSL also has the Dr. Y. S. Tsiang Professorship in Chinese Studies. Dr. Touhill is also the chairperson of the Kaoshung (Taiwan) ¡V St. Louis friendship city committee.
VIP guests of the celebration include Mr. Buzz Westfall, St. Louis County Executive, Mrs. Brenda Talent, wife of US Senator candidate Jim Talent, Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Golden, Fontbonne University, Dr. Joel Glassman, Director, Center for International Studies, UMSL, Mrs. Anna Crosslin, President, International Institute of St. Louis, Mrs. Donna Coble, President, Families with Children From China and Mr. Peter Tao, Board of Directors, Worldways Children's Museum.
Wells Ling started off the celebration by rolling on his snare drum and bringing in the American and ROC flags, carried by Edward Bulliner and Peter McEvoy. After the opening flag ceremony, the Promusica Ensemble sang the US and ROC anthems. Dr. Huey-Sheng Shieh gave a warm welcome speech to the audience, as did Elizabeth Chu. Honorable guests such as Mr. Buzz Westfall, Mrs. Brenda Talent, and Mr. Dennis Golden also made speeches showing respect for the Chinese community and their support for Taiwan. Director General Elizabeth Chu gave a 25-minute slideshow presentation on Taiwan (ROC)'s democratic and economic development. The celebrations continued on with a friendship toast, cake cutting, and live musical performances.
The performance programs for this event were: Bamboo Flute Solo - Taiwanese Folk Song Suite by Victor Song, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" by Calvin Cajigal, David Decepide, Kevin Gray and Luke Marklin from St. Louis University High School (SLUH), Chorus: "Remembrance", "Yellow Bird" by Promusica Ensemble, Guitar Solo: "Song for George" by Michael Renard (SLUH), Trumpet Solo: "Carnival of Venice" by Joseph Gillfoil (SLUH) and Duet: "Yankee Doodle" by Joseph Gillfoil and Michael
Renard.
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