Issue: 686   Date: 10/16/2003

Taiwan, Republic of China, 92nd National Day Celebration
Parkway Central Middle School
October 11, 2003 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

"Happy Birthday" to Dear Taiwan, Republic of China

By Willa Boisseau, Scanews Senior Editor

The 92nd anniversary of the founding of the nation of Taiwan, Republic of China, was celebrated by a gala ceremony and birthday party with a Fun Fair on October 11. The colorful party was held in the balloon-filled Parkway West Middle School.

The official ceremony opened with flag presentations and singing of the national anthems of the United States and Taiwan. The lovely music of the Taiwan anthem includes changes of rhythm and mood, and was movingly performed by Helena Hsu. Don Lee was Master of Ceremonies for the program.

Ms. Jo-chin Wang, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City, spoke to the crowd. She noted the cultural and political ties between Taiwan and the U.S. She said the SARS outbreak this year had hurt tourism, but that it was already recovering. Public Relations brochures and campaigns are displaying the country's many beauties and points of interests.

Guests were introduced, They included retired Ambassador and Mrs. Hsuchen Wang and state and local officials from Missouri and Illinois. Letters of appreciation and recognition from national, state and local dignitaries were displayed. A speaker from the Illinois Corn Growers Association brought congratulations from his group.

Dr. Ching-Ling Tai spoke in both English and Mandarin Chinese. She told some of the history of the nation of Taiwan. She explained the symbolism of the three colors of the Taiwan flag in red, white and blue. She ended by speaking with emotion of the three principles under which Taiwan was founded -- freedom, democracy and human rights. Her talk was the perfect ending for this patriotic celebration.

The singing of "Happy Birthday Dear Taiwan" and the presentation and slicing of a very large birthday cake concluded the impressive program.