National Day to showcase Taiwanese vitality: official

A LONG FIGHT: A light show aims to remind spectators that Taiwan’s democracy is not just something confined to history books, but a part of daily life, Lee Hou-ching said

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) yesterday said this year’s Double Ten National Day celebrations would feature a wide range of programs showcasing the diversity, vitality and unity of Taiwanese society.

Han, chairman of the National Day Preparatory Committee, made the remarks at a news conference held at the Legislative Yuan. It was attended by officials, including Taitung County Commissioner Yao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴) and Deputy Minister of the Interior Wu Tang-an (吳堂安).

The National Day ceremony on Saturday next week would feature performances by the military honor guard and parades by civic and student groups, among others, he said, adding that they intend to showcase Taiwanese society’s diversity, vitality and dignity.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, second row, center, poses with other attendees for a photograph during a news conference in Taipei yesterday.

Photo: CNA

The ceremony would pay tribute to the land and all those who have contributed to the country, while reflecting on the nation’s development and the achievements of Taiwanese around the world, Han said.

There will also be celebrations outside Taipei, such as an evening celebration at New Taipei City’s Banciao Stadium titled “A Stage for the World — Together in Taiwan,” he said.

That would feature a concert with performances by local and foreign artists including singer Enno Cheng (鄭宜農) and Indonesian pop band Grrrl Gang.

On Oct. 10, a fireworks display will be held at Taitung’s Haibin Park, he added.

At a separate event held yesterday, Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安) said this year’s light projection show on the Presidential Office building would spotlight the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election by looking back at the country’s democratic development over the past three decades.

It would tell Taiwan’s story while looking ahead to the next 30 years and the future of its democracy, Pan added.

National Cultural Association of Taiwan Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching (李厚慶) said previous light shows highlighted important periods in Taiwan’s history and culture.

This year, the show aims to remind spectators that “Taiwan’s democracy is not simply a subject in history books, but a part of everyday life,” while highlighting the role Taiwanese have played in shaping the nation’s democratic development, Lee said.

The National Day light show starts next week, from Wednesday to Sunday, with projections shown every 30 minutes from 7pm to 9:30pm.