The 40th Confucious Memorial Ceremony was hosted on September 26, 2021. This event was organized by the Committee for the Confucius Memorial Ceremony, comprised of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office(TECO) in San Francisco, Culture Center of TECO in San Francisco (Milpitas), San Dong Association, and the Association of Northern California Chinese Schools.
The thirty-six dancers, twelve deacons, and two percussionists who performed were all high school students. The six-row dance is performed every year in honor of Confucious on his birthday. Dancers made sure to keep the feather plumes and ceremonial props upright throughout the dance. The purpose of the ceremony is to commemorate the birth of Confucius, the historically prevalent philosopher and educator for all. The annual Confucious Memorial Ceremony promotes and publicizes Confucian thoughts, doctrines, and ideas in the United States.
TECO Director-General Ming-Chi Scott Lai, C.C. of TECO in San Francisco (Milpitas) Director Roy S.R. Yen, the Committee for the Confucius Memorial Ceremony Chairperson Tony Chen, and 4 elected officials or their representatives along with 6 Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioners jointly attended this ceremony.
Director-General Lai pointed out that Chinese culture is extensive and profound. The concept of "respecting the teacher and respecting the moral" is deeply rooted in everyone's minds. The most complete place in the world to preserve Chinese culture is the Republic of China, Taiwan. Taiwan has maintained orthodox Chinese culture and Chinese education.
Due to COVID-19, this ceremony was canceled in 2020. In addition to an in-person ceremony this year, to order to accommodate the public, the event was also broadcasted live on Facebook.
