President Lai Ching-te today presided over the 114th New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Office of the Republic of China. The theme of the event was "Made in Taiwan, Moving Towards the Future." Military and civilian representatives, led by a representative from the Chinese National Federation of Industries, sang the national anthem together, demonstrating their love and recognition for the country through action. As the anthem played, the national flag, featuring the blue sky, white sun, and red field, slowly rose, marking the arrival of the new year.
Minister of National Defense, Mr. Gu Lixiong, led the ceremony at dawn, accompanied by Chief of Staff General Mei, Deputy Ministers of Military Affairs Mr. Bo Honghui and General Xu, along with representatives from various military branches, including students from nine military academies: the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Defense University Political Warfare College, College of Management, College of Science and Technology, National Defense Medical Center, Army Academy R.O.C., and Air Force Institute of Technology. They participated in the ceremony, expressing their devotion to the country.
The Ministry of National Defense highlighted that this year, the Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra and the Tri-Service Honor Guard coordinated with the theme of the event, "Made in Taiwan, Moving Towards the Future" performing five pieces, including Striding Forward, Heart of Oak, Hands Across the Sea March, Royal Australian Navy March, and Guoguang March. The band’s performance, along with the honor guard’s parade routine and rifle movement, showcased the military's strength and morale, displaying the confidence and pride of the Republic of China’s armed forces as they welcomed the start of the 114th year of the Republic of China.