When Sherry proposed by mail that we goldies attend our Nation’s Flag Raising Ceremony at dawn of the 1st day of 2011, it took me a few second to type “yes”. It’s our country’s 100th Birthday. For such a grand event and glorious moment I’m definitely eager to pay my awe by making my presence at the Presidential Office. To attend the ceremony, we had to arrive at the Presidential Hall before 5:00 a.m. Taking the big crowd into consideration, we needed to get together at the closest spot before 4:30 a.m. It happened that the Choir Lydia joined was going to give the Messiah Concert on New Year’s Eve. Half of the goldies could make it for the concert, Sherry thought going home after the concert and coming out again was double waste of time. We could actually stick together and save a lot of trouble of meeting again in the early morning. Kate’s home was brought up suggested for us to have a slumber party after the concert and a midnight snack at a very popular eatery in Kate’s vicinity. Kate opened her arms to welcome us. Again five of us could make it, but not the same five that went to the concert. When Sherry suggested an extra Countdown activity, all the others remained quiet. To make one more promise needed a higher spirit.
Plans are made to change. Lydia had to accompany her mom after the concert and miss the slumber party. Slumber Party at Kate’s home was cancelled at the last minute. Sherry was the only one among us made it to the New Year’s Eve Countdown at Taipei 101. I went to Pamela’s home instead so that we could accompany each other for the Flag-Raising Ceremony.
The four hours sleepover slipped in a blink. Details were given in my last chapter.
We arrived at the MRT Exit 5 on time. Sherry was already outside the Exit having fun at the roadside to some crazy thundering music. In a minute she showed up wrapping herself in a long warm coat and a blue souvenir scarf with the flag icon of R.O.C on it. Michelle arrived in time though she had a hard time getting a taxi. It’s not difficult to figure out, with so many people using the limited transportation and the crowds packed in the area, she was lucky to get a taxi. We four took a few photos while waiting for Lydia. She was not that lucky and had to give up getting a taxi and drive instead. When we five finally united, it was almost five o’clock.
We headed for the Plaza with an expecting and exciting mood. The closer we went to the plaza, the more crowed the streets were. The sky was still dark, yet the street lights led the way just like a bright day. Free flags were given at the street side. Everyone walked in the plaza with a flag in their hand. We were stopped right outside the rim, but our persistent plead prevailed and we were granted entry. What a relief!
This was the 2nd time I joined the ceremony and stood in such a big crowd waiting for dawn to come to salute to the flag of our country and sing our national anthem loud. The first time I brought my children to let them experience the glorious moment of our country. This time I came with my lady friends. The feelings were different, the crowd was much bigger, and my spirit was higher.
Shortly after five, The warm-up program began. With so many tall young men standing in front of me and the flat-styled hosts, I was a little bit impatient. I couldn’t even see the high-spirited marching given by army, navy and air force honor guards. The two big screens beside the platform at a far distance were totally blocked by the crowd. How I wished I had a ladder or a bench to step on. How wonderful it would have been if I could have grown taller. Still I was happy being there. At 6:30 a.m., It was finally time to raise the flag. When our National Anthem began to play, we sang along to the music, tears were rolling in my eyes. I said to myself,” we are all here to pay our respect and show our love to our country with all our heart wishing her prosperity and flourishing forever.
When the flag-raising was done, most people started to disperse. Some were still lingering there to enjoy following programs. 100 couples were wedded and certified by our President Ma right after the Ceremony. What a memorable and unforgettable day for them. We didn’t stay for the rest of the programs. We came to witness the glorious moment of our country, and that’s good enough. Besides we ladies were really tired and exhausted.
While walking out of the plaza, we chatted and took a few more pictures. Then all of a sudden Michelle, Pamela and I realized Sherry and Lydia were missing. We were talking to each other, weren’t we? We took turns to talk to the ones on our right, then to our left, didn’t we? Then how could they disappear in short few seconds? We three did try every possible way sticking out our necks, standing on our toes, screaming out their names, and looking for Sherry’s red cap. There was just no sight of them. We were completely at a loss.
I tried to call them, yet couldn’t get any signal. After a few min. we decided to head for MRT exit 5 where we gathered before going for the Ceremony. But we stopped at the intersection next to the MRT exit 5 for a while to try our luck. After calling and messaging numerous times, we finally got though. They were at MRT exit 5. We five ladies did think alike.
We were all hungry. We walked quite a distance trying to buy typical Chinese breakfast. Without surprise, an endless winding line was seen from both famous eaters. We had no more strength to fight for breakfast. There were hundreds of thousands at the Ceremony. What was the first thing they would do after the Ceremony? Have breakfast, of course. We left. Maybe we should just find our breakfast near our home. So we ladies had to call it a day for our great adventure on the 1st day of our country’s centenary. Besides Michelle didn’t feel quite well because of insufficient sleep. Pamela and I bought our yummy breakfast at an eater near the parking building where my car was parked. I was starving and ate like a horse did.
I didn’t go to bed after I got home. I still had some work to do and a program with my children. At around 5:00 p.m., when I lost all my strength and energ, I crawled to my bed and fell asleep immediately. I slept almost 14 hours till late morning the next day. Though I woke up twice, I lied back and kept sleeping. It was the first time ever.
I’m especially refreshed and recharged. The Flag-raising Ceremony brought a good start of the new year for me!
Trini
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