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AIT and guests celebrate the US' Independence Day

"The United States has been your steadfast partner as you have worked hard to build a prosperous society and a thriving young democracy, while looking to your security needs."

Stephen Young, American Institute in Taiwan director

In a celebration to mark the US' Independence Day, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Stephen Young said yesterday that Washington had been a steadfast partner of Taipei -- particularly in terms of defense -- and that he anticipated that this close cooperation would continue.

The AIT held a reception at the Grand Hyatt Taipei to celebrate the 231st anniversary of US independence. Several officials and celebrities attended the event, including Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平), Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang (黃志芳), Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung (吳伯雄) and Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) Chairman Huang Kun-huei (黃昆輝).

The US flag featured prominently on the stage in the hall in which the reception was held, while the flags of the US' 50 states hung from the ceiling.

After introducing his son and daughter to the assembled guests, Young gave a speech in both Mandarin and English. He said that Independence Day was a time to reflect on the principles of freedom and democracy that had guided the US through history.

"From the beginning, our country has been an experiment in cooperation; first of 13 states, as represented by the 13 stripes on our nation's flag, and now [of] 50 states, represented by the 50 stars on the flag and the 50 state flags hanging overhead," Young said.

"Taiwan faces new challenges as it confronts the increasingly globalized world of the 21st century and manages its complex relationship with its huge neighbor across the Taiwan Strait," Young said. "The United States has been your steadfast partner as you have worked hard to build a prosperous society and a thriving young democracy, while looking to your security needs."

Huang arrived at the reception about one-and-a-half hours late, forcing the 300 guests to wait. The foreign minister's arrival was delayed as a result of a luncheon held by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) with politicians from Central America.

In his speech, Huang said that baseball was one of the things that united the US and Taiwan.

He said New York Yankees baseball player Yogi Berra's famous line "it ain't over 'til it's over" epitomized the US spirit.

He also quoted Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming's (王建民) modest response of "I just pitch" to a question on his achievements.

"In his simple words, there is an uncommon sense of modesty and determination, and this is very Taiwanese," Huang said.

Young responded to Huang's speech by shouting "Viva US-Taiwan relations!" in Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwanese). He proposed a toast to the continued friendship between the two nations and then added "Viva Red Sox," to a chorus of laughter.

Young is a fan of the Boston Red Sox.
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