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Celebrating Taiwan’s National Day With a Dedicated Band of Handpicked Ushers

As Taiwan prepares to celebrate National Day on October 10, a dedicated group of 22 students stands ready to play a pivotal role in the festivities. These specially selected ushers have undergone rigorous training to ensure they are not only welcoming to foreign dignitaries but also prepared to handle any situations that may arise.

A Journey of Preparation

The journey to becoming a National Day usher is no small feat. Selected through a competitive audition process, these students have been honing their skills since August, focusing on everything from public speaking to the subtleties of interpersonal communication. “The hardest part has been working on our public speaking skills and oral conversation,” explains Antoine Cheng, one of the ushers. “In our daily lives, we don’t have many opportunities to practice these skills.”

Their responsibilities extend beyond just greeting guests in multiple languages. They must also remain calm and collected in the face of emergencies, including potential earthquakes. Jennifer Yu, another usher, explains the importance of their training: “We ushers will immediately go to keep the guests calm. An usher will also ask the controller whether there is a need to evacuate.” This training ensures that they can swiftly guide guests to safety if necessary.

The Importance of Appearance

Alongside their training, the ushers’ appearance is crucial for making a positive impression. This year’s uniforms, designed by Liao Chia-lin, a renowned figure in Taiwanese fashion known as the "queen of uniforms," blend tradition with modern aesthetics. The uniforms feature a festive red base complemented by gray and royal blue, inspired by a modified form of the traditional qipao dress with a modern collar design. Liao says the uniform’s festive colors reflect the celebratory spirit of National Day.

Ready for National Day

With their training complete and uniforms donned, these 22 students are prepared to represent Taiwan with pride. As they await the arrival of local and international guests, they embody the spirit of Taiwan's National Day—a day that celebrates the nation's culture, resilience and community spirit.

As the clock ticks down to October 10, the ushers hope for a smooth and safe event, ready to wish everyone: “Happy Birthday to the Republic of China (Taiwan)!”