On October 10, 2024, the National Day celebration of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was held at the Presidential Office Building and the North-South Plaza. This marked the National Day ceremony following President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration on May 20, and he delivered his first National Day speech, attracting international attention.
The “National Day Celebration of the Republic of China Central and Various Sectors for the 113th Year” kicked off in the morning. This year’s National Day theme was “Happy Birthday, Republic of China.” President Lai Ching-te, along with former Presidents Tsai Ing-wen and Chen Shui-bian, attended the National Day ceremony.
The opening act featured the Eaglet Advanced Jet Trainer flying low in a five-plane formation over the ceremonial platform, followed by performances by Taipei First Girls’ High School flag team, Ministry of National Defense Joint Military Band and Tri-Service Honor Guard, Army Special Forces School Drum Team, Army Infantry 333 Brigade Pukou Bright Dragon, Taiwan Li Tanghua Acrobatics Troupe, National Defense Human Puppet Team, Chinese Professional Baseball League cheerleaders, and more.
This year’s National Day ceremony featured a CH-47 helicopter carrying a giant national flag, with representatives of veterans of the Battle of Kuningtou, including Ouyang Jun, Lan Yuzhang, and Wang Huayue, singing the national anthem alongside the Nebun Choir, Baolai Junior High School, Laonong Elementary School, and Jianshan Elementary School students to celebrate the 113th birthday of the Republic of China. After speeches by the chairman of the celebration organizing committee, Han Kuo-yu, and overseas Chinese representatives, performances by the Shrimp Visually Impaired Vocal Band and Taiwan-Vietnam Dance Troupe followed.
President Lai Ching-te then delivered a speech at the National Day celebration with the theme “Uniting Taiwan, Fulfilling Dreams Together.” He emphasized putting more effort into promoting domestic unity and strengthening Taiwan, continuing to elevate Taiwan’s presence in the world. President Lai extended goodwill, calling for “cross-party cooperation,” hoping for unity across party lines and individuals to work together for the thriving development of the country. Subsequently, the Ministry of National Defense Joint Military Band and Tri-Service Honor Guard wrapped up the ceremony by exiting the stage.
In the thematic performance segment, the Military Police Command’s Rapid Response Company conducted an exercise, followed by the Army Officers School Flag Team, 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic heroes, winners of the 2024 International Skills Competition, Turtle Mountain Elementary School Little League Baseball Team, 2024 World U17 Boys and Girls Volleyball Team, Hualien Alethe Art Troupe, Hakka Affairs Council, Chuang Ching Vocational High School Hip Hop Team, and the Army Special Forces Exhibition Flag Team took the stage in succession. Finally, the Air Force Thunder Tiger Squadron’s performance concluded the National Day ceremony on a perfect note.