January 1, 1912 is the official "birthday" of Asia's first democratic republic, the Republic of China.

Discontent with the Qing dynasty government's oppression, corruption and submissiveness toward foreign powers, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the ROC, rallied a vanguard of revolutionists to revolt against the Ch'ing court. This movement spread rapidly in southern China, from Canton and Hweichow in Kwangdong Province, Chinlian in today's Kwangsi Province to Hokou in Yunnan Province, culminating in the failed Canton Uprising of April 27, 1911.

Nearly six months later, on October 10, the success of the Wuch'ang Uprising in Hupei Province marked a turning point in Sun's struggle. Within one month, regions across the mainland joined the revolutionary camp, and 15 provinces declared independence from the Ch'ing government.

Since the revolutionary army had no forum at that time for unifying its regional commands, leaders from each province gathered together in Wuch'ang to formulate the 21-article "Outline for the Organization of Provisional Government," with Huang Hsing Generalissimo temporarily in charge of national affairs.

On December 29, representatives from each province convened a meeting and elected Sun as president of the republic. Sun was officially inaugurated the next year (1912) on New Year's Day, which marks the founding day of the Republic of China. Realizing the inevitability of the demise of the Ch'ing court, the last emperor Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi proclaimed his abdication on February 12, 1912.

On this day, families across Taiwan proudly fly the national flag while streets are ablaze with lanterns, banners and dazzling lights. This day is a commemoration of the deeds of the revolutionary heroes, and a reminder for citizens to cherish the free way of life they enjoy today.