The Nationalist Party’s Western United States branch held their annual “Mother’s Day Appreciation Ceremony – Thanksgiving Banquet” in Santa Clara on the evening of December 27th. The event aimed to express gratitude towards the various organizations, groups, individuals, and volunteer partners who have long supported the branch. Approximately fifty representatives from social organizations, branch committee members, and volunteers attended, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
During her speech, Branch Committee Member Song Zhen thanked everyone for their support of the “Mother’s Day Appreciation Ceremony.” She acknowledged the silent dedication of mothers in households and communities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and encouraging their sacrifices. She expressed hope for more mothers to step forward and receive recognition.
Song Zhen mentioned to Epoch Times that recognizing these loving mothers not only belongs to individuals but also to every family and community that they have touched. She appealed for more enthusiastic individuals to join the branch or volunteer to help facilitate the smooth running of future events.
Invited guest Vice Director of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, Tsai Jiahua, commended the Western United States branch for their contributions in various fields such as culture, education, and commerce over the years. She expressed great anticipation of participating in this grand and meaningful event in the coming year.
During the event, Review Committee Member Zheng Guangzhi emotionally expressed gratitude for the year-end banquet, not just as a review of the year’s achievements but also as a gesture of thanks to all friends who have supported the branch. He highlighted the branch’s ability to steadily progress despite facing challenges over the years, attributing this success to the tireless efforts of committee members and the continuous support of the community, and encouraged everyone to continue working together to face future opportunities and challenges.
Additionally, recognition was given to the branch’s Secretary-General and President of the Overseas Chinese Women Writers Association, Zhou Danle. Her biography of Dong Jiling, entitled “Opening the Door of Opportunity,” won the first prize in the 2025 Qiaolian General Assembly Chinese Writing Awards under the “News Reporting” category. The book was recommended for selection by the Chairman of the Three Principles Alliance of the San Francisco Bay Area, Kuo Huifeng, and received high praise from the judges. Following the award, Zhou Danle donated the entire prize of NT$10,000 to support earthquake relief efforts in Hualien, demonstrating the social concern and compassion of a writer, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
In her speech, Zhou Danle expressed gratitude for the encouragement and recommendation of Kuo Huifeng, stating that without his support, she might not have participated in the selection process. She attributed the honor to Dong Jiling’s remarkable life story and the enthusiastic encouragement of her recommender.
Committee Member Chen Song also announced that the new edition of the “Mother’s Day Appreciation Ceremony” would be held on May 17, 2026, at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, welcoming recommendations for loving mothers to participate.
The organizing committee will compile recommended materials and produce informational materials to showcase each mother’s contributions and expertise in the household and community. On the day of the event, mothers will be invited to walk the red carpet with family and friends to make them feel respected and valued.
Song Zhen concluded by sharing that she had been a member of the Western United States branch for over a decade, expressing gratitude to her predecessors for laying the foundation and aspiring to create new opportunities while maintaining existing achievements. She emphasized that the most important qualities of a loving mother are resilience, dedication to family, and enthusiasm for work and community involvement. Through the appreciation event, she hopes to let society understand the spirit of a “loving mother.”