On October 10th, the Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrates its 114th birthday. The National Day celebrations took place in front of the Presidential Office Building in three stages: the warm-up prelude, the National Day ceremony, and the themed performances. The highlight of the event was a flyover by the Air Force Thunder Tiger Team featuring five “Brave Eagle” training aircraft, releasing colorful smoke as they soared over the Presidential Office Building, offering birthday wishes to the Republic of China and marking the end of the National Day celebrations.
The “Central Celebration of the 114th National Day of the Republic of China” was held in the morning at the square in front of the Presidential Office Building. The theme of this year’s National Day was “Happy Birthday Republic of China,” with the main visual elements based on the Double Ten emblem and featuring the colors of blue sky, white sun, and a red earth.
During the “warm-up prelude” phase, performances included a drumming presentation by the Taiwan Taiko Association titled “Harmonious Fortune Prayers through Drums,” with nearly a hundred performers lining up in front of the Presidential Office Building playing the taiko drums. Following that, the Ministry of National Defense Joint Military Band and the Military Parade Unit presented “Harmonious Music Resounding in All Directions, United in Strength,” showcasing precision rifle techniques and formation changes. Other groups that performed included the Xinmin High School Performing Arts Department, the Pingtung Nanrong Junior High School Marching Band (NZMB), and the Chuang Ching Vocational High School Performing Arts Department.
During the National Day ceremony, as the national anthem of the Republic of China played, a CH-47SD “Chinook” transport helicopter carried a giant national flag, accompanied by two UH-60M “Black Hawk” helicopters flying over the square in front of the Presidential Office Building. The national anthem was sung by the Dacun Elementary School Chorus from Changhua County, along with outstanding representatives of new residents and social groups who have made significant contributions to public welfare – Wu Shimei, Chen Katie, and Lin Tsaini. Following the anthem, a performance was given by the Dacun Elementary School Chorus and the “Tang Baobao Chamber Orchestra.”
In his National Day address, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that democratic Taiwan is a pivotal point for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, playing a responsible role in the international community to maintain the status quo, safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and promote regional prosperity and development. She mentioned that Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia, leading the “Four Asian Tigers” in economic performance. As the President, her mission is to create a better life and well-being for the people of Taiwan and the world, ensuring that the benefits of Taiwan’s economic development are shared by all.
President Tsai announced that Taiwan’s defense budget will exceed 3% of GDP according to NATO standards, with plans to accelerate the establishment of the “Taiwan Shield” (T-Dome) – a comprehensive and robust air defense system to protect Taiwanese lives and property. Taiwan is determined to maintain peace through strength and build national defense resilience across society. She also called on the Chinese Communist Party to stop distorting the 1971 Resolution 2758 and abandon the use of military threats against Taiwan.
The themed performances for National Day included a collaboration between the Meihua Science and Technology University Xiongying Ceremonial Guard and the Navy Marine Corps Band, presenting the theme “Xiongying Soaring, Ceremonial Guard Loyalty.” Subsequent performances showcased Hakka culture, indigenous themes, and more, including the Hakka Affairs Council, the Pingtung Aboriginal Youth Association, and the Naruwan Dance Theater performing, as well as the Qiyun High School in Taoyuan and the Taoyuan City Government Education Bureau Spring Sunshine Volunteer group.
The climax of the event featured the Air Force Thunder Tiger Team’s “Brave Eagle” training aircraft flying in formation with five planes releasing colored smoke as they passed over the Presidential Office Building, extending airborne birthday wishes to the 114-year-old Republic of China. This was the Thunder Tiger Team’s first appearance at the National Day celebration after switching to the Brave Eagle trainer aircraft, concluding the National Day festivities on a high note.