On October 10th, the Chinese Nationalist Party branch in the United States held the “Double Tenth National Day Celebration of the Republic of China’s 114th Anniversary” at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in San Francisco, celebrating this glorious national day together with the overseas Chinese community in the Bay Area. The event was chaired by Yang Kunshan, President of the Northern California Chapter of the International Outstanding People Association.
Amid the singing of the national anthems of the United States and the Republic of China, all attendees paid their respects to a portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father, with three bows and the reading of his will. The words “The revolution is not yet successful, comrades still need to strive” from his will once again reminded compatriots of the founding spirit of the Republic of China and the inheritance of the Three Principles of the People.
Dignitaries in attendance included Vice Consul General Zhu Yongchang of the Republic of China in San Francisco, President Zhang Boqi of the Chinese Traditional Culture Association, Co-Chairman of the National Day Preparatory Committee Zhang Renrui, as well as numerous overseas Chinese community leaders and association representatives. The venue was filled with a strong sense of patriotism.
During his speech, Chairman Yang Kunshan stated that the Double Tenth National Day is a shared holiday for all Chinese people. He said, “Looking back at the hardships of founding the Republic, it was Dr. Sun Yat-sen who led countless dedicated individuals to overthrow the imperial system and establish a republic, giving rise to the Republic of China today.”
Yang Kunshan pointed out that the Republic of China has gone through numerous trials and tribulations from warlordism to the eight-year War of Resistance, with its fortunes fluctuating. However, generation after generation of Chinese sons and daughters have safeguarded the country with resolute faith. He emphasized, “After the government’s relocation to Taiwan, it created miracles in both economy and democracy, which are the results of the efforts of all citizens and symbolize the indomitable spirit of the Republic of China.”
He quoted Han Kuo-yu to encourage compatriots: “The Republic of China is our country, beautiful Taiwan is our home; Chinese culture is our roots, and freedom and democracy are our treasures.” Yang Kunshan said these four sentences embody the common belief of the citizens of the Republic of China: “We must cherish and protect our national flag, safeguard this land of freedom, and ensure long-lasting peace and prosperity for the nation.”
Vice Consul General Zhu Yongchang, on behalf of the newly appointed Consul General Wu Zhixiang, expressed gratitude to the overseas Chinese community for their support and dedication to the Republic of China over the years. He pointed out, “114 years ago, it was the generous donations and enthusiastic support from overseas compatriots that enabled Dr. Sun Yat-sen to accomplish the revolutionary cause and establish the first democratic republic in Asia.”
Vice Consul General Zhu mentioned that on National Day, he saw images of the flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Office in Taipei on the internet, with people from home and abroad singing the national anthem and paying tribute to Dr. Sun, “This unity and emotion deeply underscore that the Republic of China is a source of pride for Chinese people worldwide.”
He further stated, “Today’s Republic of China has become a modern state of freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law, serving as a beacon for global Chinese in pursuit of freedom.” He thanked the Bay Area overseas Chinese organizations for their recent celebratory activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, exhibitions commemorating the victory in the War of Resistance, and cultural performances, which fully demonstrate the patriotism and unity of overseas Chinese.
Vice Consul General Zhu concluded by wishing the Republic of China “prosperity, peace, and favorable weather,” and extended his wishes for good health and success to all attendees.
President Zhang Boqi of the Chinese Traditional Culture Association stated in his address that the Double Tenth Festival is not only the country’s birthday but also an important moment for all Chinese people to commemorate democracy and freedom. He said, “The Republic of China was born out of the Xinhai Revolution, where our predecessors sacrificed and showed courage to overthrow dictatorship, laying the foundation for a democratic republic. Our ability to live freely today is the result of their fearless sacrifices.”
Zhang Boqi emphasized that amidst the changing international landscape and challenges, overseas compatriots should uphold the values of freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity, safeguard national security, promote social progress, actively participate in international cooperation, and ensure that the Republic of China continues to shine on the world stage.
He mentioned, “The Double Tenth National Day reminds us to carry on the past and build a safe, prosperous, and hopeful homeland for the next generation.” He blessed, “Happy birthday to the Republic of China, peace and prosperity, and favorable weather.”
Co-Chairman of the National Day Preparatory Committee, Zhang Renrui, in his address, reviewed Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary achievements of overthrowing the Qing Dynasty, establishing the Republic, creating the first democratic republic in Asia, and changing the fate of thousands of years of feudal politics. He said, “Without the Republic of China, there would be no freedom and equality today.”
Zhang Renrui particularly emphasized the significant contributions of overseas Chinese to the Republic of China. He noted, “During the revolutionary period, most of the funds came from donations by overseas Chinese. Back then, Dr. Sun often used a milk barrel as a platform to preach the Three Principles of the People and the national blueprint to compatriots. Without overseas Chinese, there would be no Republic of China.” He stated that this is why October 12th was designated as “Overseas Chinese Day” – symbolizing the irreplaceable contributions of compatriots to the establishment and development of the country.
He urged compatriots, “While enjoying freedom and the rule of law overseas, we must promote the spirit of the Three Principles of the People, making the Republic of China continue to be a source of pride for Chinese worldwide.” ◇