Taipei: Local governments across Taiwan held flag-raising ceremonies Friday morning to celebrate the Republic of China’s 114th National Day, featuring music, family activities, and messages of unity and hope. In Taipei, Mayor Chiang Wan-an led the celebrations at City Hall Plaza, where 1,000 bottles of milk were distributed to students who arrived early.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chiang expressed his honor in celebrating “under the shining national flag,” urging citizens to remember the sacrifices made to build the country and to pass on the spirit of freedom and democracy to future generations. In Taichung, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen presided over a ceremony attended by thousands of residents and lawmakers, marking her seventh year in office as a “harvest period” for city projects like the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center and the Taichung Green Museumbrary. She emphasized national unity, stating, “Only when families live in harmony can the nation prosper in peace.”

In Tainan, Mayor Huang We
i-che highlighted the special significance of this year’s celebrations, recognizing city residents’ voluntary participation in post-disaster relief efforts in Hualien County after a breached barrier lake caused fatal flooding in September. He praised the resilience and generous spirit of Tainan’s residents through earthquakes and typhoons. Meanwhile, in New Taipei, Mayor Hou Yu-ih led the flag-raising at the New Taipei City Art Museum, with Olympic boxing champion Lin Yu-ting leading the singing of the national anthem. Hou emphasized unity as the nation’s greatest strength, urging citizens to “set aside divisions and rebuild together like the rescuers in Hualien.”