(Partially sourced from The China Press)
On September 22, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Greater Philadelphia Chinese American Community Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council") held a flag-raising ceremony in Chinatown. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Council's establishment, Deputy Consul General Wu Xiaoming of the Consulate General of China in New York, along with Pan Yan, Director of Consular Affairs, and Consul Xiang Yutao, joined leaders from various Chinese associations, student and scholar associations, and government officials. Hundreds of overseas Chinese gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, expressing their heartfelt wishes for the prosperity of their motherland and showcasing their patriotic spirit.
Deputy Consul General Wu Xiaoming and Council co-chairs posed for a group photo at the flag-raising ceremony, with Secretary-General Huang Weixing (9th from the left).
The ceremony took place under the Chinatown archway. At around 10 a.m., members of the community waved Chinese and American flags with pride and excitement. The COCO Happy Marching Band, along with the Fu Gui, Rainbow, and Happy Dance Groups, dressed in festive attire, and the Philadelphia Fujian Association's drum team performed to honor the motherland's birthday. Amid lively lion and dragon dances, Secretary-General Huang Weixing announced the start of the ceremony. As the national anthems of both countries played, the Chinese and American flags were raised, with the bright five-starred red flag flying proudly above Chinatown.
Deputy Consul General Wu Xiaoming delivered a speech, extending sincere holiday greetings to the community. He praised the patriotic enthusiasm of Philadelphia's Chinese community, highlighting China's remarkable achievements over the past 75 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. He emphasized China's role as the world's second-largest economy and its commitment to modernization and global openness. Noting the 45th anniversary of US-China diplomatic relations, Wu stressed the deep interdependence between the two nations and the importance of overseas Chinese in fostering bilateral ties. He recalled that 48 years ago, Philadelphia's Chinese community raised the first five-starred red flag in the city, a tradition that has continued for over four decades, symbolizing their enduring love for their homeland. Wu expressed hope for continued efforts to strengthen US-China relations and promote peace and cooperation.
Razin Karu, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, delivered a congratulatory letter from the Governor. Mai Jianyong, President of the Philadelphia Chinese Benevolent Association, spoke on behalf of the community, calling for enhanced cooperation in economy, education, technology, and culture. Yu Wei, President of the Drexel University Chinese Students and Scholars Association, represented the academic community, expressing pride in their motherland and the significance of the flag-raising ceremony as a symbol of love and nostalgia for home.
Following the ceremony, the Council hosted a cultural performance and banquet at the Oriental Pearl Restaurant. The event featured a traditional lion dance and a slideshow highlighting the Council's activities since its founding in 2004. Deputy Consul General Wu Xiaoming, Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla, Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street, and University of Pennsylvania student representative Li Zekun delivered speeches. The Council also presented awards to sponsors who supported the event.
The US-China Business and Travel Association invited students and teachers from Harrisburg Academy, Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, and Bodine High School of International Affairs, many of whom participated in the "2024 4th Canal Cities Model United Nations Conference" in China this summer. They shared their experiences, recounting their adventures and the cultural and natural wonders they encountered. They also spoke about visiting local schools, forming international friendships, and learning about China's intangible cultural heritage.
From left to right: Greta Fronheiser (Conwell-Egan student), Lindsay Bowman (Harrisburg Academy Principal), and Khader Motan (Bodine student).
In his closing remarks, Huang Weixing expressed gratitude, stating that the flag-raising ceremony reflected the Philadelphia Chinese community's pursuit of peace, cooperation, and friendship, as well as their deep affection for their motherland. He expressed hope for continued achievements and the realization of the Chinese Dream in the new era.
