Flag-raising ceremonies highlight unity, pride on National Day

Taipei, Oct. 10 (CNA) 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 (蔣萬安) led the celebrations at City Hall Plaza, where 1,000 bottles of milk were distributed to students who arrived early.

Chiang said he was honored to celebrate "under the shining national flag," and he urged citizens to remember the sacrifices made to build the country. He also called for the spirit of freedom and democracy to be passed on to future generations.

In Taichung, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) presided over a ceremony attended by thousands of residents and lawmakers.

Noting that this is her seventh year in office, Lu said it has been a "harvest period" for city projects such as the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center and the Taichung Green Museumbrary.

She called for national unity, saying, "Only when families live in harmony can the nation prosper in peace."

In Tainan, Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said this year's celebrations carried special meaning in recognition of city residents' voluntary participation in post-disaster relief efforts in Hualien County, after a breached barrier lake caused fatal flooding there in September.

"The people of Tainan once again displayed their warm and generous spirit," he said, thanking residents for their resilience through earthquakes and typhoons.

Meanwhile, in New Taipei, Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) led the flag-raising at the New Taipei City Art Museum, while Olympic boxing champion Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) led the singing of the national anthem.

Hou said unity is the nation's greatest source of strength, and he urged citizens to "set aside divisions and rebuild together like the rescuers in Hualien."