Introduction
 
It was just a year ago that the United States came under attack in way that shocked the whole world. Taiwan was no exception. The people of Taiwan have a special sympathy for America, which has been Taiwan's close friend. The first purpose of this music and dance tour (Taiwan Salutes) is to let our American friends appreciate that we stand with them in their time of trial.

Taiwan, too, has suffered shocking tragedies. Three years ago, the earthquake of September 21, 1999, known in Taiwan as "9-21," rocked the whole island and brought some towering buildings crashing down. Over two thousand people perished. In addition to those who lost loved ones, there are many thousands of others who were affected directly and irrevocably. For them, as with the families of 9-11, life will not be the same again.

Our second purpose is to showcase before America and her international friends a captivating glimpse of the beautiful island of Taiwan, known to some as Formosa. With a population of some 23 million, Taiwan has roughly the same number of people as the greater New York area. A modern democracy, Taiwan is slightly smaller in area than Maryland and Delaware combined. Taiwan's people are of mixed Han Chinese and Aboriginal descent, making the island a melting pot.