When the choir started to sing the Taiwanese tune "If I open the door in my heart (
"I am thrilled now that Taiwan has cast away the shadow of the authoritative rule over the past five decades," Su said, while sitting in a chair at the rally outside the presidential office.
Whereas in the past students, military officers and civil servants were mobilized to join the presidential inauguration rallies, tens of thousands of people -- such as Su -- took part in yesterday's rally on their own initiative, to witness for themselves the first-ever transfer of power between political parties in Taiwan.
"I feel honored to witness the inauguration here," said Lin Chen-chien (林珍簡), a Keelung resident who took an early morning train to Taipei for the occasion.
An aboriginal Bunun tribe choir kicked off the ceremony with a traditional tribal song -- "Informing the good news (報訊歌)".
Other Aboriginal songs, a Hakka tune, a Taiwanese song, poetry recitals, as well as other musical pieces warmed up the atmosphere before president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and vice president Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) joined the rally.
"Hello Mr. President!" the crowd shouted as Chen walked out of the presidential office toward the outdoor platform, surrounded by floral decorations.
Pop singer Chang Hui-mei (
What followed next was an unprecedented oath to the public by Chen and Lu.
Both emphasized their determination to abide by the constitution in performing their duties in order to enhance the welfare of the people and to ensure national security.
Chen's 50-minute long inauguration address proved the focal point of the rally, which was greeted with generous applause from those in attendance.
Chen outlined his plan to guide the country through its transition, touching upon his reform agendas such as a crackdown on corruption and organized crime.
He also mentioned his vision of a cross-strait relations based on goodwill, urging leaders from both sides of the strait to work toward "reconciliation".
And amid the newly composed choral piece "God Bless Our Land, Formosa! (
"Chen's speech was well considered in every aspect, and it should not induce any negative response from China, I guess," said Lin.
Shih Ming-teh (
"It's been my long-desired wish to witness the peaceful transfer of power within my lifetime," Shih said. "And today the people in Taiwan can show to the world that we are a people capable of carrying out a democratic system."
Such an experience could enable some Asian leaders, especially those in Singapore and China, to think twice about their claim that democratic systems are not suitable for people under the influence of Han culture, Shih said.
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