Department of Sports, Taipei City Government

Mayor Ko Wen-je attended the flag presentation ceremony for the Taipei First Girls High School Marching Band, Honor Guard, Color Guard (TFGMHC) on November 8. 

During his address, the mayor remarked that he is honored to have this opportunity to hand the flag to the marching band, as they will be attending the upcoming 2023 Rose Parade in Los Angeles. TFGMHC is the only team from Taiwan to receive the invitation for the past 18 years. The event will be watched by over tens of millions of people around the world.

Ko stressed that thanks to the effort of many people, TFGMHC will take to the global stage once again, allowing the whole world to see Taiwan. 

The head of the delegation is principal Chen Chih-yuan, and he will lead 10 faculty members and 125 students on the trip between December 27 and January 6. The mayor noted that the marching band carries the blessing of citizens and will be conducting city diplomacy on behalf of Taipei City. He hopes that spectators will witness the vitality and enthusiasm of Taiwan through the students’ performance. He wishes the marching band safe trip and reminded them to bring honor to the island on the international stage. 

Regarding media question on whether the marching band has made the necessary preparations for the performance in California, Ko pointed out that there will be over 100,000 spectators at the Rose Parade. With the show being broadcasted across the world, it is likely that over tens of millions of people will end up watching the event. He is very grateful that the Taipei First Girls High School once again secured the opportunity to conduct city diplomacy for Taipei City. 

He added that this is just like the slogan of the 2017 Summer Universiade: “Let Taiwan go out and let the world come in. Let the World See Taiwan.” He once again expressed his gratitude to the members of TFGMHC for training hard and honing their skills.