TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan organizers unveiled National Day celebration plans Tuesday (Sept. 30), featuring cultural and military displays scheduled for Oct. 10 despite calls to downsize following recent flooding disasters. The Changhua County Dachun Elementary School Choir will lead the national anthem while the Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team (雷虎小組) performs with five Brave Eagle jets releasing colorful smoke. The announcement comes amid debate over celebration scale following the Hualien Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍) overflow disaster.
Speaking at a press conference, Legislative Yuan (立法院) President Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) outlined three celebration segments: Prelude, National Day Ceremony, and Thematic Performances. The Taiwan Taiko Association (台灣太鼓協會) opens the Prelude, followed by Ministry of National Defense joint Military Bands symbolizing unity and blessings. Hsin Min High School's (新民高中) Performing Arts Department presents "Blooming Island Formosa" while Pingtung Nan Jung Junior High School's (南榮高中) Marching Band showcases resilience.
Thematic Performances feature New Taipei City Police Mounted Police and Military Police Command Rapid Response units leading the parade procession. Meiho University (美和大學) collaborates with the Navy Band to interpret Hakka women's resilience, highlighting Taiwan's diverse cultural heritage. The Pingtung Indigenous Youth Association (屏東原鄉部落青年會) and NaLuWan Dance Troupe (NDT, 娜麓灣樂舞劇團) draw inspiration from Paiwan tribal rituals, celebrating peace and multicultural coexistence.
Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華) stated altering the celebration's scale remains challenging despite calls to downsize following the Hualien Matai'an Creek (馬太鞍) overflow disaster. The organizing committee hinted at a possible tribute to disaster victims during the National Day event, balancing celebration with remembrance. Public debate continues over appropriate commemoration scale amid recent natural disaster impact on affected communities. ◼
