In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the New York Chinese Community Center held a grand ceremony on July 3. Leaders of the overseas Chinese community, elected officials, veterans, and community members gathered to reflect on the founding spirit of America, acknowledge the contributions of Chinese-Americans to the nation’s development and democracy over the past 250 years, and encourage the next generation to cherish core values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, passing down the torch of history and culture.
The event began with a solemn flag-raising ceremony at the square of the Chinese Community Center, where all participants stood in respect of the flag, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The ceremony then moved to the auditorium of the Chinese Community Center, where the Chairman of the New York Chinese American Veterans Association, Huang Jianzhong, led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Subsequently, students from the Chinatown Children’s Enrichment Center sang the American national anthem and the national anthem of the Republic of China, creating an atmosphere filled with patriotism and celebration.
Chairman Wu Ruixian of the Chinese Community Center, in his speech, emphasized the eternal ideals of freedom, democracy, and equality that the founding fathers of the United States established this great nation upon 250 years ago. He highlighted how the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence have inspired generations around the world to pursue freedom and laid the foundation for one of the most successful and influential democracies in the world.
He noted that Chinese-Americans have always been an important force in America’s development, from the early participation of Chinese laborers in building the Transcontinental Railroad to their active roles in politics, business, education, technology, healthcare, and public service today. He urged young Chinese-Americans to appreciate the hard-won freedom and opportunities of today, continue to contribute to society, preserve Chinese culture, and embrace the responsibilities of being American citizens to build a better future together.
Director Lee Chih-chiang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York expressed gratitude for the longstanding efforts of the Chinese Community Center in uniting the overseas community and serving compatriots, hoping for the continued deepening of shared values of freedom and democracy between the United States and Taiwan.
New York State Senator Chen Xueli and Assemblyman Zheng Yongjia, in their joint review of America’s founding history, emphasized that America’s success stems from people of different backgrounds and cultures coming together to establish a democratic system. Senator Chen shared his experiences of immigrating from Hong Kong to the US, growing up and working in Chinatown, highlighting how the Chinese community has achieved the “American Dream” through hard work and contributions to the nation’s development. He emphasized that Chinese people are not just a “model minority” but are “model Americans,” making substantial contributions to the country’s construction.
Assemblyman Zheng highlighted that 250 years ago, the United States established the world’s first democracy governed by a constitution and the rule of law, rather than relying on monarchy and heredity. He reviewed the history of Chinese immigrants, enduring hardships such as the Chinese Exclusion Acts, and ultimately flourishing in the United States through hard work, becoming an essential force in a diverse society.
Councilmembers Matai and Huang Youxing of the New York City Council, from the perspective of local governance, urged society to cherish democratic institutions and the historical heritage of the Chinese community. Councilman Matai stated that America was born from the ideology of “opposing monarchies and establishing democratic governments,” and over the past 250 years, the participation of people from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds in nation-building has been America’s most precious asset, reflecting the nation’s spirit of diversity and inclusion.
Councilman Huang Youxing pointed out that America’s 250 years of success are built upon the democratic rule of law established by the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. He noted that currently, only a few city council members actively speak up for the Chinese community. He encouraged the younger generation to deepen their understanding of American history, cherish the Chinese language and culture, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical roots and language to maintain cultural identity.
Veterans Association Chairman Huang Jianzhong reviewed the history of the American Revolution and introduced the significant contributions of Chinese-Americans in various fields such as the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 19th century, involvement in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, as well as in medicine, architecture, technology, and more. He emphasized that a great nation should not only celebrate its founding but also pay tribute to the heroes who have contributed to its achievements.
Former Chairman Wu Yuantian, speaking as a former judge, expounded on the importance of the “Rule of Law” as the cornerstone of America’s founding. He highlighted how the American people challenged the powerful British Empire not just for independence but to establish a country ruled by laws rather than monarchy. He underscored that the judiciary, lacking military or economic power, derives authority from judges’ professionalism, fairness, and integrity in applying laws, emphasizing the need for the separation of powers and the spirit of the rule of law to be upheld for generations.
The event concluded with a significant award ceremony that honored the day’s most memorable moment.
Chairman Wu Ruixian of the Chinese Community Center presented two commemorative items from the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States, including historical documents and precious autographed materials, which had been cherished for half a century. He personally handed them over to two outstanding students from Chinese schools. His preservation of these items since the bicentennial celebration in 1976 aimed to complete a generational handover at the 250th anniversary, hoping that the two students would treasure this historical memory. He wished that these symbolic memorabilia, representing freedom, democracy, and the continuity of history, would be passed down to the next generation at the 300th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 50 years, keeping the legacy alive and vibrant.