Defense News

Press release for reference by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) in support of
the "Flag-raising Ceremony at the Presidential Palace on New Year's Day 2023"

Time: January 1, 2023 at 06:00

The flag-raising ceremony of the Republic of China at the Presidential Palace on
New Year's Day 2023 was themed on "The will of everyone unite like a fortress as
Taiwan moves forward", and personally hosted by President Tsai. During the
ceremony, all the military and civilians present sang the national anthem led by
MD300 Taiwan of Lions Clubs International, expressing love and recognition for
their nation. The national flag was slowly raised to the anthem in celebration of the
first day of 2023 for the Republic of China.

Minister Chiu of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) led General Chan, Chief
of Staff, Mr. Bai Hong-hui, Deputy Minister of Military Affairs, General Wong, the
Deputy Minister of Military Armaments, representatives from each unit of the joint
chief officers, and a total of 477 student representatives from about 10 military
schools including the Military, Naval, and Air Force Academy, Political Warfare
College, Management College, Technology College, and Medical College of the
National Defense University, the Army Academy, Air Force Institute of Technology,
and the Chung Kyoga Armed Forces Preparatory School.

Members from MD300 Taiwan of Lions Clubs International were invited to sing the
national anthem at the New Year's Day event at the Presidential Palace. Also
performing were the demonstration band of the MND and honor guard of the ROC,

who showed their gratitude to our nationals for preserving through the pandemic and
helping Taiwan advance in the international arena. Meanwhile, 10 military colleges
and universities also participated in the flag-raising ceremony.

The demonstration band of the MND and honor guards of the ROC (comprising
around 200 people) centered their performances on the theme of "The will of
everyone unite like a fortress as Taiwan moves forward", and performed six songs:
"Signal Song", "Prelude to the Great Army", "Look on Proudly from the Peaks",
"Courage in the Face of the Pandemic", "Solid Defense of Garrisons", and "Never
Retreat". The performance entailed various military arrangements and drills to
symbolize the fearless willpower and vitality of our nationals, even when faced with
sever challenges such as the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) pandemic.
Resilience and enthusiasm welcomed in the beginning of 2023 for the Republic of
China.

The MND emphasized that the flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Palace of
the Republic of China to mark 2023 is an important celebration of the country. To
honor the theme of the event, "The will of everyone unite like a fortress as Taiwan
moves forward", the honor guard of the ROC and demonstration band of the MND
not only displayed perfect strength and splendor in appearance and bearing, but also
love for their country. Students from military colleges and universities in attendance
represented the next generation of military might at the flag-raising ceremony.

Annex
The flag-raising ceremony of the Republic of China at the Presidential Palace on
New Year's Day 2023
The exhibition drill by the demonstration band of the MND and honor guard of the

ROC
1. Demonstration band of the MND:

(1) March into the arena: The word "booster" means "propeller", and the style of music
of the "booster" march is relaxed yet lively. The significance of the song is to
encourage people not to hesitate for the future presents infinite possibilities. To
welcome in 2023, the band performs the song to encourage people to take a leap of
faith so we can journey down a new wide road and progress with courage.

(2) Exercises of the exhibition drill: "Signal Song", "Prelude to the Great Army",
"Look on Proudly from the Peaks", "Courage in the Face of the Pandemic", "Solid
Defense of Garrisons", and "Never Retreat."

The signal song "Valiant" indicates the Armed Forces are fearless and courageous in
the face of storms and challenges. They can overcome all kinds of tests, showing
determination to defend their homeland, and it is thus hoped that every citizen
stands side by side with the Armed Forces.

The musical compositions used in "Prelude to the Great Army" in this event features
works from previous years. It was also the first occasion in recent years that the
Armed Forces used self-composed works during an exhibition drill on a National
Day. The majestic momentum of the music brought forth the grand air of the
soldiers' appearance. The combat power of a new generation of Armed Forces has
been witnessed each year following continuous reform and progress, symbolizing
the fierce strength of the Armed Forces in defending the country and its people.

Along with developments in the emerging era, the song "Look on Proudly from the
Peaks" marks a new generation of Armed Forces like eagles ready to soar, and also
striving to fly upwards and challenge their limits. Only then can we look out on the
world from the highest peak and protect our homeland.

The song "Courage in the Face of the Pandemic" signifies the work and might of the
Armed Forces in the face of the worldwide pandemic to protect the people. Aside
from picking up guns to protect the homeland, the Armed Forces has also
demonstrated its expertise in science and medicine to establish a biological disaster
prevention network for our nationals, showing the unity of mindset to minimize
disasters alongside medical professionals, the police, and the general public.

The song "Solid Defense of Garrisons" was composed and arranged by Lee Cheng-
chi, an Army sergeant. The beginning of the music brings out the sound of the signal
song through trumpets, and metaphorizes the anxiety on the precipice of war and the
mood of troops stationed at the frontline. The music also creates a strong sense of
presence, and the composer makes good use of high-pitched woodwind instruments
to generate the sound of dust flying after shells hit the ground. The composer kept
the audience on their toes and the tension built, giving the musical artistry an almost
three-dimensional feel.

The song "Never Retreat" is the work adapted from singer Richie Jen, and it brings
out the bright emotions of the Armed Forces safeguarding the frontiers. Even when
confronted with an attack, the Armed Forces would still move forward, always
showing courage.

(3) Transition: "March of the Beautiful Flag"
The song "March of the Beautiful Flag" was created by Mr. Ye Shu-han when he
attended the National Superior Conservatory of Music in Paris in March 1984. The
base melody of the work is composed based on Professor Huang Chi's "National
Banner Song", and displays a strong patriotic sentiment.

2. The exhibition drill
The demonstration band usually performs at national major celebrations and various
military ceremonies, such as events at the National Performing Arts Center and
other cultural centers around the nation. The band is always a hit with the audience
and receive warm applauses.

  The honor guard of the ROC has long been celebrated as having a reputation as the
honorary troop of the Armed Forces. It also has well-developed traditions and glory
as the honor guard with its motto of "Not Better, the Best" when in team training,

The honor guard of the ROC mainly executes the tasks and duties of military
parades when heads of friendly states visit Taiwan, and at major national
celebrations. They usually work as guards of honor at each station garrison post.
During the changing of the guards ritual, they perform a solemn and respectful
ceremony, which has been recognized internationally as well as at home, and
showcases the strong and respectful magnificence of the Armed Forces.

(1) "Valiant" – Formation of the Flag:
The national flag of the country has inherited the spirit of revolutionary martyrs,
of sacrifice and dedication; the Blue Sky, White Sun, and Red Earth stand strong on
this democratic and free land. The Valiant March was composed by Sergeant Lee
Yu-chuan of the demonstration band of the MND, and "Signal Song", "Prelude of
the Great Army", "Look out Proudly from the Peaks", and "Courage in the Face of
the Pandemic" follow, symbolizing the fearless determination of the Armed Forces
in defending the homeland.

(2) Formation of Starlight Brilliance:
The music played in "Solid Defense of Garrisons" was created by Sergeant Lee
Cheng-chi of the demonstration band of the MND. The Armed Forces defend the
frontline of our country, and protect the homeland; servicemen pledge allegiance to
the nation and its people, and they regard them as their own. The Armed Forces take
action to fulfill military missions with perseverance and enthusiasm. In the face of
any challenge, we are the ones who defend the homeland with all our might, day or
night, no matter the wind and rain.

(3) Formation of the Concerted Effort and Direction:
This performance has been adapted from the work of Richie Jen, "Never
Retreat", and shows the diligent training and drills of the Armed Forces. In defense
of the sovereignty of the homeland, the Armed Forces does not give an inch of
ground, showing determination, bravery, and persistence. As such, it is hoped that
our nationals will work hand in hand in the new year to create a bright future for the
Republic of China. We are thankful for your support and encouragement, and the
band and honor guard wished all our nationals and guests a happy, safe, and healthy
New Year!