On October 6th, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Los Angeles (CCBA) held a parade in Chinatown to remember and carry forward the revolutionary spirit of the founding father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The parade, in celebration of the Double Tenth National Day, featured various overseas Chinese organizations, including representatives from CCBA’s affiliated associations, new overseas Chinese groups, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Korean expatriate groups, as well as dragon and lion dance performances. Nearly forty groups participated, adding to the liveliness of Broadway Street in Chinatown on the weekend.
Chairman Lee Jinsheng of the CCBA expressed gratitude to the team, advisors, and leaders of various overseas Chinese organizations for their support and effort, which led to the successful organization of the parade after months of preparation. Following the parade, the flag-raising ceremony was conducted by the American Legion Post 628 in Chinatown and the Chinese Flag Team, featuring performances of the national anthems of the United States and the Republic of China by Luo Zhailing and Yang Zhennan respectively, with Shen Luxi leading the singing of the national anthem. After the flag-raising, attendees moved to Sun Yat-sen Plaza to lay flowers at the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
Many people attended the event waving flags of the Republic of China and the United States to celebrate. This year’s parade also attracted many young participants, such as the Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations (FASCA) team and the Aztec Band from Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, whose marching band performance received enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.
The Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Ji Qinyao, and several elected American officials including Congresswoman Judy Chu, California Assemblyman Mike Fong, and San Gabriel City Councilman John Wu were also present to offer their congratulations.
During his speech, Ji Qinyao expressed hope that the community would uphold the values of freedom and democracy, continue to support the Republic of China, and thanked the leaders of the CCBA. He looked forward to the continued support of the overseas Chinese community and friends for the Republic of China, which was founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen based on the values of freedom and democracy. He extended his congratulatory wishes for a happy birthday to the Republic of China and wished all attendees good health and prosperity.
Congresswoman Judy Chu stated that she always looks forward to participating in the Double Tenth National Day flag-raising ceremony of the Republic of China every year because the event not only celebrates the Double Tenth National Day but also honors the outstanding contributions of Taiwanese Americans. She emphasized that Taiwan is a leading democratic country in Asia and a good friend and economic partner of the United States, with all Southern California overseas Chinese helping to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the United States and Taiwan. She also expressed gratitude to the CCBA for its longstanding support of the community and service and congratulated the success of the event.
At noon, overseas Chinese community leaders in Southern California gathered at the Golden Dragon Restaurant in Chinatown for a celebration banquet in honor of the 113th anniversary of the Republic of China’s Double Tenth National Day, with raffle prizes including airline tickets, cash, and exquisite gifts sponsored by overseas Chinese organizations and businesses. The overseas Chinese community came together to celebrate the national day and make the event a great success.