TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan marked its National Day Friday (Oct. 10) with an elaborate ceremony featuring military displays and cultural performances at the Presidential Office Building (總統府). The celebration commenced at 8:52 a.m. and unfolded across three distinct phases, showcasing Taiwan's military capabilities and cultural heritage.
The Taiwan Taiko Association (台灣太鼓協會) opened the prelude with "Blessings for the Nation," a powerful drumming performance expressing wishes for national peace and prosperity. The Ministry of National Defense's joint band and honor guards followed with "Stay Together," the 2024 WBSC Premier12 theme song.
Military helicopters conducted a dramatic flag flyover during the main ceremony, with a CH-47SD Chinook and two UH-60M Black Hawks displaying Taiwan's national colors. Following speeches by committee chair Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and overseas representatives, the Dacun Elementary School (大村國小) choir performed "Echoing Hearts, Singing a New Chapter for Taiwan." President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) then delivered the keynote National Day address.
The New Taipei City Police Department Mounted Police Unit (新北市警察局騎警隊) and Military Police Command's rapid response team (憲兵指揮部快速反應連車隊) led the thematic performance parade. International sports teams, including the Taichung Zhongshan Junior High School baseball team and Taipei Dongyuan Elementary School players, rode the "Hero Fleet" to audience applause. Both student teams are champions of international baseball tournaments, representing Taiwan's sporting achievements on the global stage.