The inauguration of Taiwan's 16th President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) was marked with a celebration in front of the Presidential Office on Monday. The theme “Weaving Taiwan together; progressing democracy” symbolized Taiwan's ongoing progress on the path of freedom and democracy.
Starting at 9 a.m. the event featured performances from over 25 groups and more than a thousand performers. These included the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe, Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe, Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School marching band, and the National Taiwan Sport University. A 10-meter-tall, 7-ton "Rain Horse" installation from the Paper Windmill Theater Company symbolizing Taiwan's gentle and firm strength was followed by five singing programs, linking together memories belonging to different eras in Taiwan.
The Defense Ministry contributed 450 personnel for performances including a combined military band, flag formations from military helicopters, and flyovers by Air Force F-16s and Brave Eagle advanced trainers. The Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team rounded up the celebrations, flying AT-3 trainers in a five-plane formation, releasing tri-colored smoke trails over the Presidential Office.