Taiwan rehearses for Double Tenth National Day celebration

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's National Day Preparatory Committee conducted a vibrant rehearsal Monday (Oct. 6) for the Double Tenth National Day celebration in front of the Presidential Office (總統府). Spectators gathered under scorching temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86°F) to witness the colorful patriotic display featuring military formations, aerial demonstrations, and cultural performances. The rehearsal preceded Taiwan's national holiday commemorating the founding of the Republic of China.

This year's celebration theme continues as "Happy Birthday to the Republic of China." Host Wang Chien-chiu (王淺秋) expressed hope for Hualien disaster victims' speedy recovery and wished for national prosperity and peace following recent natural disasters. The Ministry of National Defense Military Bands (國防部聯合樂隊) and Honor Guard (三軍儀隊), Taiwan's elite ceremonial units, displayed impressive rifle drills accompanied by "Team Taiwan" (《就一起》), supporting the 2024 WBSC Premier12 baseball tournament.

The Dacun Elementary School Choir (彰化縣大村國小合唱團) led the national anthem alongside outstanding new resident representatives and social group gold awardees. Army UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47SD Chinook helicopters flew over the Presidential Office carrying a massive national flag. The Thunder Tiger Aerobatic Team (空軍雷虎小組), Taiwan's air force demonstration squadron, debuted "Brave Eagle" (勇鷹) advanced jet trainers in five-plane formation, releasing colorful smoke for the first time.

Shin Min High School's Department of Performing Arts (新民高中表演藝術科) presented "Blooming Island Formosa" (「綻放島嶼 福爾摩沙」), featuring dancers symbolically planting a "Tree of Hope" (「希望之樹」). The performance represented endless vitality and Taiwan's cultural heritage. The Pingtung County Private Nanrong Junior High School Marching Band (屏東南榮國中行進管樂團) showcased a 100-member ensemble combining wind instruments, percussion, and flag dance, embodying resilience and unity.

Juang Jing Vocational High School's Department of Performing Arts (莊敬高職表演藝術科) delivered "Taiwan! Beat Up!" blending street dance, honor guard routines, flag performances, and drum and bugle corps. The performance featured New Taipei City Police Department Mounted Police Unit (新北市警察局騎警隊) and MP Rapid Reaction Company (憲兵指揮部快速反應連車隊), Taiwan's military police special forces, as forerunners. Heroic teams greeted audiences in front of the main stage, capturing Taiwan's spirited identity.

The Taiwan Taiko Association (台灣太鼓協會) opened festivities with "Prosperity and Good Fortune, Drum Offering" (「鴻福齊天 祈鼓獻瑞」), featuring nearly 100 participants in a spectacular taiko drum display. The traditional Japanese-influenced percussion performance took place in front of the Presidential Office, marking the ceremonial beginning of the National Day rehearsal celebrations. ◼