On October 10 (Thursday), which was the Double Tenth National Day of the Republic of China, a flag-raising ceremony and a grand parade were held in Manhattan’s Chinatown by the New York Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association to celebrate the 113th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. The event attracted government officials and people from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere filled with celebration and excitement.
At 1:30 PM, to the uplifting tune of the “National Flag Anthem of the Republic of China,” the flag of the Republic of China, with its white sun on blue sky, was solemnly hoisted in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association building. Zhu Chaoran, the chairman of the association, along with representatives from various overseas Chinese groups and organizations, the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York Li Zhiqiang, representatives from the New York City Police Department’s Fifth Precinct, and the attending crowd paid their respects before the national flag. They then proceeded to Columbus Park to lay flowers at the statue of Sun Yat-sen and bowed in tribute.
Following this, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association held a celebration to commemorate the founding spirit of the Republic of China and to uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy. Two New York State Assembly members, Brian Kavanagh and Grace Lee, personally congratulated the association and commended their efforts in promoting the values of freedom and democracy in Taiwan.
Chairman Zhu Chaoran expressed that he had been participating in the Double Tenth National Day celebration for over 30 years, and this year, as the chairman of the association, it was the first time organizing such a celebratory event. He stated, “We gather not only to commemorate our history but also to honor the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice that the Republic of China has steadfastly upheld since its establishment.”
He mentioned that the Chinatown community in New York and the new members of the association this year are committed to supporting Taiwan, proclaiming proudly that they will continue to uphold these values and work together to ensure Taiwan remains a beacon of democracy in Asia.
Director Li Zhiqiang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York delivered a speech, stating, “Currently, only in Taiwan are Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People and the Five-Power Constitution still being protected.” He expressed disappointment that mainland China continues to be under one-party rule, denying its people the freedoms and rights of liberty and equality. He also thanked everyone for their continued support for the Republic of China, advocating for the perpetuation of Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles with a people-centered spirit.
Deputy Chief of Police of the Fifth Precinct of the New York City Police Department, Officer Kengming Chang, a descendant of Taiwanese immigrants born in the United States, also participated in the celebration and expressed support for and commitment to upholding Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People.
State Senator Kavanagh expressed his pride in attending the celebration organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and acknowledged the contributions of the Chinese community in New York and America in upholding democratic values. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy democracy and participate in crucial decisions that affect their lives.
In the afternoon at 4:30 PM, led by police cars from the Fifth Precinct, followed by dragon and lion dance troupes, a grand parade took place in Chinatown. Against the backdrop of American and Republic of China flags, and banners of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Chairman Zhu Chaoran, together with various overseas Chinese groups, the Chinese-American Veterans Association of New York, Director Li Zhiqiang, Deputy Director Zhang Lixian, and American personnel stationed in the U.S., as well as representatives from different groups from New Jersey, Queens, and other areas of New York City, started the parade from Mott Street, passing through Canal Street, Chatham Square, Worth Street, Mulberry Street, and other streets. The parade procession attracted a large crowd of New Yorkers who stopped to watch and capture the spectacular moments on their phones.