A Festive Double Ten

Chrissie Lu　/　photos Cheng Yuan-ching

November 1982

中文

In celebration of Double Ten the Presidential Building is gaily decorated every year.

Every year on Oct. 10 Chinese people throughout the world celebrate the Republic of China's National Day, known as Double Ten.

Like migrating birds, overseas Chinese flock back to their mother country, because, as one compatriot puts it: "Returning to Free China is like coming home; and if there is to be a celebration we naturally want to join in."

Although difficulties are sometimes encountered during the journey, this year more than 20,000 overseas Chinese arrived in Taiwan for the festive month of October. Particularly encouraging is the fact that more and more young overseas Chinese are participating in the National Day celebrations. In previous years the under-30s accounted for about 20 percent of the total, while this year they made up 40 percent.

Having lived through turbulent times, the older generation of overseas Chinese have always been enthusiastic over returning to Taiwan for the Double Tenth celebrations. The better educated younger generation have used their critical powers to reach the conclusion that a visit to Free China is the best way to reestablish ties with their cultural heritage. The fact that the Communists could only boast that a mere 500 of the 3,000 overseas Chinese who went to the mainland in October attended the communists' national day celebrations on Oct. 1, demonstrates that overseas Chinese recognize the Republic of China as their motherland.

On the evening of Oct. 9, at a mass meeting for overseas Chinese, Premier Sun Yun-suan said: "The enthusiasm of 20 million overseas Chinese for their mother country is most heartening in these troubled times."

Naturally, people in Taiwan all rejoice over the return of the overseas Chinese. Many department stores and shops hang out large banners to welcome them.

In addition to overseas Chinese, delegations of foreign well-wishers from more than 50 countries came to Taiwan for the celebrations. The Canadian delegation, which included 30 parliamentarians, was especially welcome, as it was the largest of its kind since the break of diplomatic relations in 1970.

In the weeks before the big parade on Oct. 10, commemorative archways are erected, important buildings given a fresh coat of paint, and decorative lights appear all over Taipei, but especially around the Presidential Plaza in the downtown area.

The patriotic mood of the nation reached a climax this year as 250,000 people gathered outside the Presidential Office under a clear blue autumn sky. This year the program began at 9:58 a.m. with stirring martial music and formations of marchers moving into the square in front of the Presidential Offices. As they passed by, jets of the army's air wing flew in formation emitting colored smoke and dropping leaflets.

At 10 a.m. sharp, the official program began. In his opening speech Ni Wen-ya, president of the Legislative Yuan, told the assembled throng: "For the dignity of the nation and the happiness of the people, all Chinese, both at home and overseas, should unite under the leadership of President Chiang Ching-kuo to accomplish the glorious task of uniting China under the Three Principles of the People."

Kao Chu-ju, an overseas Chinese leader in the Philippines, exhorted his compatriots to give their utmost to the country, and quoted the late U.S. President John Kennedy's famous words: "Do not ask what your country can do for you, ask only what you can do for your country."

Freedom Fighter Wan Ping-yi told the audience: "An unalterable historical law is that 'governments which win the hearts of the people will prosper, while governments which don't will perish.' Thus freedom will conquer slavery and humane rule will vanquish tyranny. The final victory belongs to us."

President Chiang Ching-kuo appeared on the balcony of the Presidential Office at 10:30 a.m. and waved to the 250,000 people who responded with loud applause. In his speech, the President outlined the history of the Republic of China during the 71 years since its founding in 1911, which he described as a "history of struggle and sacrifice by the people of China." The president also reaffirmed the sacred mission of recovering the mainland.

After the President's speech, the parade began. In the first section the strength of the nation was represented by groups from the Combined Services Officers' College, the Political Warfare College, the Chung Cheng Military Academy, and reserves and military representatives from Kinmen and Matsu. The second group consisted of overseas Chinese, freedom fighters, farmers, workers, businessmen, religious groups, veterans and aborigines. The third group was made up of primary, secondary and third level students. The last group consisted of representatives of the performing arts and women's groups.

After the parade, other festive programs, such as dragon dances and traditional Chinese dances, were organized at various locations throughout the island. The day's festivities concluded with a fireworks display over the Tamsui River in Taipei.

[Picture Caption]

1. In celebration of Double Ten the Presidential Building is gaily decorated every year. 2,3. President Chiang Ching-kuo addressed the nation from the balcony of the Presidential Building. 4. A quarter of a million Chinese from here and abroad gathered at the Presidential Plaza for the festivities.

1-5. Following the National Day ceremonies there was a parade. These determined and spirited youngsters give us an unlimited hope for the future. The students in photo 2 designed their own uniforms.

1,2. At 10:00 sharp festivities began in front of the Presidential Building. 3. A performance especially to welcome overseas Chinese. 4. President Chiang greeted foreign visitors. 5. The festivities were graced by the presence of two Miss Chinatowns. 6. Pai Chia-li and her husband Huang Shuang-an returned from Indonesia to take part in the celebration.

1. High school students performing folk dances. 2. Kindergartners watching the show. 3. A martial arts demonstration. 4. Acrobats. 5. A high school marching band. 6. A youngster who got lost in the crowd is comforted by policemen.

President Chiang Ching-kuo addressed the nation from the balcony of the Presidential Building.

A quarter of a million Chinese from here and abroad gathered at the Presidential Plaza for the festivities.

Following the National Day ceremonies there was a parade. These determined and spirited youngsters give us an unlimited hope for the future. The students in photo 2 designed their own uniforms.