To celebrate the 114th National Day of the Republic of China, the Bay Area Chinese community held a flag-raising ceremony on the morning of October 5th at the Santa Clara County government square. The Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Wu Zhixiang and his wife, were present at the event, gathering with fellow overseas Chinese to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China in a solemn and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Dignitaries attending the ceremony included California State Senator Dave Cortese and his wife, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee, Cupertino Mayor Liangfang Zhao, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, Fremont Vice Mayor Jieyi Huang, Councilman Yang Shao, San Jose City Councilman Peter Ortiz, as well as several school district representatives. From the overseas Chinese community were representatives such as Zhuang Yashu, Director of the Overseas Chinese Education Center, committee members Zhang Zhengbang and Li Hanwen.
At 10:10 AM that day, the drums sounded, marking the formal start of the flag-raising ceremony. As the national anthem of the United States and the national anthem of the Republic of China were sung, the Stars and Stripes and the flag of the Republic of China rose side by side. Lin Xiuchun, Chairman of the National Day Flag-Raising Committee, thanked the county government for its long-standing support, stating, “Each of us, no matter how small, has a great influence. May everyone become a shining light for Taiwan, proudly waving the flag of the Republic of China overseas.”
Director Wu Zhixiang’s speech expressed immense pride and emotion in the moment the flag was raised. He emphasized that the Republic of China has faced numerous challenges but the spirit of freedom, democracy, and unity never wavers. He also praised the Bay Area overseas Chinese for their contributions in technology, education, and culture, showcasing the spirit of “everyone is a diplomat.”
County Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee welcomed the guests and promised to continue holding the Double Tenth Flag-Raising Ceremony annually at the county government square. He also presented certificates of commendation and declared October 10, 2025 as “Republic of China National Day” in Santa Clara County to recognize and appreciate the outstanding contributions of Taiwanese Americans to the community.
State Senator Dave Cortese stated during his speech that the sight of both flags rising together symbolizes the deep friendship and partnership between the United States and Taiwan. He stressed that this not only symbolizes the glory of democracy but also a precious symbol of friendship.
Cupertino Mayor Liangfang Zhao emotionally stated that when she saw the flag rise and heard the national anthem for the first time in the United States, it moved her to tears, thanking the organizers for allowing everyone to take pride in Taiwan even in a foreign land.
Vice Mayor Jieyi Huang of Fremont mentioned that the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan is its people; the spontaneous aid from all over Taiwan after the Hualien disaster once again proves this point. Councilman Yang Shao expressed, “May the flag of the Republic of China fly high worldwide, serving as a symbol of freedom and democracy for all of us Chinese.”
Mayor Carmen Montano of Milpitas emphasized the need for unity, cherishing democracy, harmony, and respect in these turbulent times.
San Jose City Councilman Peter Ortiz stated that October 10 is not only the birthday of the Republic of China but also happens to be his personal birthday. He called for everyone to join hands in promoting peace, prosperity, and friendship, and invited the public to attend the “Taiwan Flag-Raising Ceremony” at the San Jose City Hall on October 24.
Many overseas Chinese expressed deep emotions during interviews. Ms. Peng, who has been in the United States for 17 years, attended a flag-raising ceremony for the first time and told Epoch Times, “It’s been a long time since I heard the national anthem, and I was truly moved. Seeing everyone so united, I feel that Taiwan has great hope.” Mr. and Mrs. Hsu shared that this was the first time in their many years in the United States that they participated in a National Day celebration. Hearing the national anthem, seeing familiar performances, and celebrating with so many Taiwanese people made them both moved and happy. Mr. Hsu said, “Go Taiwan!”
Students Vivian and Veryl, who are a data analyst and hardware engineer respectively, mentioned that the event was lively, with thoughtful performances. They were deeply moved to see so many flags of Taiwan.
Participants from the BeiYi Girls’ Brigade, Ouyang Yu and Mr. Geng, participated in the performance for the second consecutive year. They believed that the atmosphere of the event was warm and enthusiastic, allowing them to experience the overall ambiance of Taiwan’s National Day celebration. They expressed their intention to participate in future events.
Vice President Zou Shangwen of the Northern California Association of Taiwanese Students studying abroad told Epoch Times that the flag-raising at the county government square has been held for the last thirty to forty years, witnessing the enthusiasm and unity of overseas Chinese. He emphasized that this location symbolizes the determination of the overseas Chinese community, “We must raise the flag here every year.”