On October 3, the overseas Chinese community in Queens, New York, held a celebration for the 115th National Day of the Republic of China. The national flag waved among the crowd, the national anthem and familiar songs filled the air, and chants of “Long live the Republic of China! Taiwan, come on!” echoed continuously. The theme of this year’s event was “United in Love for Taiwan, Creating a New Future Together.” When it comes to loving Taiwan, all the overseas compatriots present had a deep love in their hearts.
President of Taiwan Aloha, Zhuang Jingting, specifically rushed from Pittsburgh to New York for the event. Witnessing the older and younger generations of overseas compatriots performing and singing together, she expressed, “I am very touched and happy.”
As the melody of the song “Empty Glasses for Sale” played, Zhuang Jingting sang along with the whole crowd. Living in Pittsburgh for many years, she has been promoting Taiwanese culture locally, from cuisine, technology to environmental protection, hoping to introduce Taiwan to more people. “Take our island of Taiwan, we can communicate with the world,” she said.
Deputy Director Zhang Lixian of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, when talking about Taiwan, thinks of the grounded feeling of living there. She mentioned Taiwan’s democracy, diversity, freedom of speech; social welfare and universal healthcare provide security for the people’s lives, coupled with good public safety, orderly social order, and kindness between people, allowing them to live peacefully and comfortably.
For the older overseas Chinese who have lived in the United States for many years, “love for Taiwan” also connects to an unbreakable sense of hometown nostalgia.
Several alumni from Ming Chuan University have been actively participating in the National Day celebrations and volunteering for many years. One alumna said that serving the country on National Day made her very happy. Having grown up in Taiwan, she expressed, “Whenever I talk about the Republic of China, that feeling is like towards my parents.”
Another alumna surnamed Zhang preferred not to discuss politics, only hoping for eternal peace between both sides, “No matter what the circumstances, it would be a tragedy.” She also hoped that this generation could do more for the next generation.
In the crowd, the image of the Republic of China’s national flag on Mrs. Yu’s body stood out, saying, “Long live the Republic of China, Taiwan, come on!” She emphasized that on National Day, everyone gathers with the greatest hope for national stability and peace.
Talking about “unity,” Mrs. Yu’s understanding transcended geographical boundaries. She mentioned that internationally, people often refer to individuals from mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and other places as “Chinese,” without necessarily dividing where they are from. In her view, everyone is Chinese and she hopes for unity, harmony, and good relationships among each other, “to be good Chinese.”
While the older generation reminisces about the past, the younger generation is already thinking about what they can bring back for Taiwan.
Columbia University student He Jing, who participated in the Queens National Day celebration last year, led a team to the event again this year. When asked about his feelings towards Taiwan, he smiled and said, “Every year, I am prouder.”
Fellow Columbia student Xiao Xuan Yu mentioned that young people hope to do more for Taiwan, “bringing back what they have learned in the United States to Taiwan.” In his eyes, Taiwan is not only worth showcasing in terms of technology but also in agriculture, agricultural products, tourism, and the increasingly active culture and arts among young people. “Taiwan is a very diverse place.”
During his speech at the celebration, Director Li Zhiqiang of the New York Office emphasized the significance of Taiwan with a set of figures: Taiwan, with an area about equal to the U.S. state of Maryland, has become the fourth-largest trading partner of the United States. He stated that Taiwan’s democracy and technological development are something Taiwanese people can be proud of.
The sentimental love for Taiwan is not only evident in the waving flags and echoing songs today but also continues in people’s lives – introducing the beloved Taiwan to more individuals, and hoping for peace, freedom, and everlasting beauty for this land.