The Queens Chinese American Preparatory Committee in New York City announced on September 19 that they will be hosting a flag raising ceremony and celebration for the 113th National Day of the Republic of China on October 5th in Flushing. This year’s theme is “Democracy, Freedom, Unity,” and it is expected to bring together over 500 overseas Chinese.
Director Lin Yingjun of the Queens Chinese American Preparatory Committee stated that the National Day flag-raising ceremony in Queens has a history of over 30 years. She has never missed a ceremony since her first attendance. She mentioned the unwavering support and defense of the national flag and the Republic of China over the years, even during the peak of the pandemic in 2020. The flag-raising ceremony on Double Ten Day did not stop, showcasing the patriotism of overseas Chinese. She also expressed her gratitude to the committee members for their selfless dedication over the years.
Chen Yongfeng, the director of the New York Overseas Chinese Education Center, praised the effectiveness of the committee’s organization of the event, which has become increasingly successful. In addition to the ceremony, an art exhibition titled “Perfect Ten” will be held at 3 p.m. at the Education Center, offering a diverse cultural experience for attendees.
Secretary-General Zhu Yuemei of the preparatory committee revealed that the national flag will be raised promptly at 10:10 a.m. on October 5th. The ceremony will feature performances by the Third Prince, FASCA youth cultural volunteers, the Double Ten National Day flag team, and the Mei Hua Dream Honor Guard team. The atmosphere will be solemn, proud, and festive, with unity and celebration to mark the 113th National Day of the Republic of China.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, a celebration and a carnival will be held. The celebration will include performances such as diabolo, Hakka opera, campus folk songs, Taiwanese songs, and patriotic song performances, all aimed at uniting the overseas Chinese community. The carnival will feature an arts and culture zone, as well as a food zone.
The arts and culture zone will showcase traditional Chinese folk arts such as paper cutting, face painting, calligraphy, Chinese painting, and shadow puppetry. Various Taiwanese delicacies will be available at the food zone, including rice noodle soup, meatballs in broth, oily rice, rice cakes, taro cakes, grass cakes, Taiwanese-style stir-fried rice noodles, sausage, pearl milk tea, and more.
Each attendee of the celebration will receive a $4 voucher to enjoy the delicious food at the carnival until supplies last.
Flag-raising ceremony time: 9:30 a.m. on October 5th (Saturday)
Location: Bowne Playground, Union St. & Barclay Ave., Flushing
Celebration and carnival time: 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., respectively.
Location: Public School 20, 142-30 Barclay Ave., Flushing