On the evening of October 10th, 2024, the fireworks display for the 113th National Day of the Republic of China lit up the sky in Yunlin. President Lai Ching-te mentioned that this year’s fireworks display lasted 41 minutes, making it the longest in history. The Yunlin County government expressed that both domestic and foreign dignitaries, along with over 300,000 spectators, gathered in Yunlin to witness the fireworks, extending their heartfelt congratulations to the Republic of China on its birthday.
Celebrating the 113th anniversary of the Republic of China, the National Day fireworks illuminated Yunlin with fervor. President Lai Ching-te attended the “113th Anniversary Celebration of the Republic of China – Happy Birthday, Republic of China” fireworks event at the Huwei High-Speed Rail Special Zone on the evening of the 10th. He expressed gratitude to Yunlin County and the celebration organizing committee for diligently preparing the National Day activities and commended Yunlin County for its continuous efforts in developing as an agricultural hub. He expressed hope for collaborative efforts between the central and local governments to advance Yunlin and improve the lives of its residents.
During President Lai’s speech, he expressed his delight in being in Yunlin for the first National Day fireworks event held in the county. He praised the magnificence of the National Day series of events and expressed special thanks to Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, the celebration organizing committee, and Minister of the Interior Hsu Shih-fang for their hard work in planning the National Day activities.
President Lai mentioned that County Magistrate Chang Li-shan’s earlier speech reflected the thorough preparations made by Yunlin County for the event, aiming to showcase the best side to the people of the nation. The 41-minute fireworks display, the longest in history, incorporated beloved elements of Thunderbolt Puppetry, allowing everyone to better understand Yunlin’s culture and Taiwan’s puppetry culture. He extended his appreciation to Magistrate Chang and her team.
President Lai highlighted Yunlin County’s journey in becoming an agricultural hub, starting from former County Magistrate Su Chih-fen, passing down to former County Magistrate Lee Chin-yung, and flourishing under Magistrate Chang’s leadership. He pledged to support Yunlin County as former President Tsai Ing-wen did in the past, calling for cooperation between the central and local governments. He also requested the assistance of Yunlin County legislators in bridging the gap between the local and central governments to facilitate progress and enhance the lives of the county’s residents.
In conclusion, President Lai extended well wishes on behalf of all the people of the nation, hoping for a happy birthday to the Republic of China, prosperity for the country, peaceful and joyful seasons in Taiwan, and safety and happiness for everyone, making the evening a splendid one for all.
Chairman of the National Day Celebration Organizing Committee and Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu made three National Day wishes. The first wish was for favorable weather and national peace and prosperity. The second wish was for the rapid development of Yunlin, making it a focal point of attention for friends across Taiwan, enhancing both business and tourism in the county. The third wish humorously asked for his hair to not thin further, adding his wishes for a happy birthday to the Republic of China.
Magistrate Chang Li-shan, in her address, emphasized the importance of Yunlin County as a bridge between southern and northern Taiwan. She expressed the hope that while the country advances in overall economic and industrial development, Yunlin County would receive due attention. She was pleased to hear President Lai Ching-te mention in his morning speech about creating a central technology cluster connecting the north and south. She believed Yunlin County was the best choice for this and urged the government to balance industrial development across all counties and cities, narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas and rich and poor. A better Yunlin would mean a better Taiwan.
The National Day fireworks event also saw the presence of Presidential Secretary-General Pan Meng-an, Legislative Yuan President and Chairman of the Celebration Organizing Committee Han Kuo-yu, Minister of the Interior Hsu Shih-fang, Deputy Minister of the Interior and Secretary-General of the Celebration Organizing Committee Wu Tang-an, Deputy Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Lu Yuan-rong, Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei, Lienchiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming, Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan, and legislators such as Chang Chia-chun, Hsu Yu-chen, Ting Hsueh-chung, Liu Chien-kuo, as well as diplomats from various countries present at the event.