Dr. Sun Yat-sen: His Life and Legacy
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the R.O.C, the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Honolulu would like to invite you to attend a photo exhibition entitled “Dr. Sum Yat-sen and the Republic of China” at the Honolulu Hale from May 11, 2011, to May 27, 2011 to pay tribute to this great man.
Once educated in Hawaii, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, overthrew the Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China (R.O.C.) - the first republic in all of Asia a century ago. At that time, he pledged to the Chinese people to establish a strong and prosperous nation and a democratic way of life. Although his dream of a modern and democratic Chinese nation was not realized before his death, his political vision took roots and ultimately yielded abundant fruits in the R.O.C. on Taiwan.
The exhibition features 34 distinguished photographs of major events in Sun’s life, including his footprint in Hawaii, and 60 historical and modern images showcasing the 100 year history of the R.O.C.
Numerous individuals from the Hawaiian Chinese community played vital roles in Dr. Sun's revolutionary achievements. The first Chinese language school in Honolulu, the Chung-Shan School, was named in his honor. There are seven statutes of Dr. Sun Yet-sen around Oahu alone, which shows how he is held in memory and respect from the people of Hawaii.
The R.O.C was Asia’s first republic founded in 1912 during a tumultuous period in the Chinese mainland. It later moved to Taiwan in 1949 and developed into one of the region’s major modern industrial economies. Over its hundred-year history, the R.O.C. has transformed into a strong and progressive democratic nation, one where diversity and tolerance are celebrated and innovation reigns. It is a unique place where traditional Chinese culture, cuisine and art are well preserved but exist alongside a very tech savvy and modern society.
The photographs show the development of this nation, from its humble beginnings as a predominantly agricultural island, into a major industrial center, and finally into the high-tech powerhouse of today. All aspects of life are on display, from political and economic landmark moments, to every day scenes highlighting the cultural flavor of Taiwan and its people.
