国内英语新闻:Flag-raising ceremony held in Houston to mark China's National Day

HOUSTON, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- A flag-raising ceremony was held Sunday morning in Houston, the fourth largest city of the U.S., to mark the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

About 500 people attended the ceremony which was organized by the Chinese Civic Center in Houston, and co-hosted by a number of overseas Chinese organizations.

Before the ceremony started, the square of the Chinese Civic Center was packed with people in colorful costumes, waving Chinese flags and banners.

At 9:30 a.m., China's national flag was raised in the company of national anthem, while the crowds stood in solemn silence.

Students from two local Chinese language schools performed songs and dances to wish China a happy birthday. Dragon-dance was also performed.

The ceremony ended with a chorus, Ode to the Motherland, by attendees at the ceremony.

At the ceremony, Chinese Consul General in Houston, Xu Erwen, recalled the rising of China from poverty to prosperity, after 63 years of hard work.

She thanked overseas Chinese for their contribution to the motherland and wished them all a happy National Day and Mid-August Festival.

"I am proud of the achievements China has made during the past 63 years," Keping Xie, CEO of the Chinese Civic Center, said at the ceremony.

"The flag-raising ceremony is a way to express Overseas Chinese 's love for China," he said, adding that Chinese abroad share happiness with their native country and hope for a better future for China.

The ceremony is held annually in Houston to observe China's National Day.