Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou and Mrs. Ma and Vice President Vincent C. Siew and Mrs. Siew attended the annual flag-raising ceremony in the plaza in front of the Presidential Office Building at 6:30 a.m. on January 1 to usher in the first day of 2012 and the 101st year of the Republic of China. The president, vice president and others gathered with the crowd to welcome in the new year.

President and Mrs. Ma and Vice President and Mrs. Siew were escorted to the dais by Presidential Secretary-General Wu Jin-lin (伍錦霖), where they waved to the crowd. The crowd attending the flag-raising ceremony waved ROC flags to give President and Mrs. Ma and Vice President and Mrs. Siew best wishes for the new year.

The master of ceremonies then formally called for the beginning of the ceremonies. President Ma and Vice President Siew and their wives took their places. A total of 101 children, wearing different uniforms that represented different trades and professions, led in the singing of the ROC national anthem. The national flag was then gradually raised as the national flag anthem was performed.

In remarks to the crowd, President Ma stated that the past year could be considered a peaceful one, thanks to fewer typhoons, earthquakes, and floods than normal. In addition, reservoirs throughout the island have ample water supplies. Meanwhile, the number of newborns in 2011 increased by 30,000 from the previous year. He emphasized that he was quite pleased that the year was such a vibrant one.

The president expressed his hopes that the coming year will be another peaceful one, in which the people of the nation enjoy peace and prosperity, as well as favorable climate. This will enable the ROC to continue to shine brightly throughout the world and help the people of Taiwan to enjoy even greater dignity throughout the globe. President Ma also urged the public to pray together for the nation on the first day of the 101st year of the ROC, wishing the nation continued development and prosperity.

After completing his remarks, President and Mrs. Ma and Vice President and Mrs. Siew joined with the children to cut a large birthday cake that was decorated in the image of a national flag, wishing the nation peace and happiness in the new year.