The flag of the Republic of China has been proudly displayed in front of San Jose City Hall since October 25th, marking a week-long celebration. This significant event, the San Jose Double Tenth National Day flag-raising ceremony, was organized as a tribute by San Jose City Council member Peter Ortiz, who expressed his gratitude to the Chinese American Traditional Foundation for their dedicated fundraising efforts to restore the damaged Chinese Cultural Park, which had fallen into disrepair due to homelessness during the pandemic.
Ortiz took it upon himself to cover the expenses for the ceremony. His district is home to the Chinese Cultural Park, a gift from the Republic of China government to San Jose, established in 1971. The park features traditional Chinese structures, all built with materials sourced from Taiwan. In light of the damage caused during the pandemic, the Chinese American Traditional Foundation has initiated fundraising efforts this year, aiming to restore key structures like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
“In San Jose’s history, we have seen significant leadership from the Taiwanese community, in politics, business, and technology,” Ortiz remarked, emphasizing his appreciation for the foundation’s role in driving the park’s restoration.
The restoration of the Cultural Park will be organized by the Chinese American Traditional Foundation, which has laid out a two-phase plan with an initial fundraising goal of $3 million. The first phase of construction is slated to begin on June 1, 2025, focusing on the critically important Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, with completion expected by June 30, 2026. The foundation will also continue to raise funds for the park’s ongoing maintenance.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan acknowledged the contributions of the Taiwanese community, highlighting the special 40-year sister city relationship between San Jose and Tainan City, Taiwan. He noted that the relationship has flourished through cultural and economic exchanges, underpinning the vital role Taiwanese companies, including NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC, have played in establishing Silicon Valley’s success.
Lin Darui, president of the Chinese American Traditional Foundation, expressed his thanks to Mayor Mahan and Ortiz for their support. He pointed out that the establishment of the Chinese Cultural Park over the past 50 years has provided a remarkable venue to celebrate Chinese culture. The upcoming restoration efforts are intended to revive this historically significant site for future generations to appreciate and inherit the rich Chinese cultural heritage.
The flag-raising ceremony featured a lion dance performance by the Liang Guan Bai He Lion Dance Troupe, an honor guard from the Air Force, and a rendition of the national anthem by the National Taiwan University alumni choir. Distinguished guests included Zhu Yongchang, Deputy Director of the Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Fremont City Council member Shao Yang, and various community leaders and political representatives, all coming together to honor this cultural milestone.
