Taiwan commemorates February 28 Incident

2016/03/02

Taiwan commemorated the February 28 Incident of 1947 with a series of nationwide ceremonies underscoring the need for all segments of society to come together and learn the lessons of history.

During an event at National 228 Memorial Museum in Taipei City, ROC President Ma Ying-jeou apologized on behalf of the government for the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring such an event never happens again.

“Since the government offered its formal apology for the first time in 1995, it has never ceased to face up to its responsibility, right the wrongs of the past and uncover the facts,” Ma said.

The incident took place 69 years ago when protestors demanded Gov. Chen Yi institute reforms. When these demands went unmet, people throughout the island rioted against the government. Military reinforcements dispatched from mainland China killed thousands while restoring order.

According to Ma, the government has implemented numerous related government measures over the past 20 years, and he deeply empathizes with the victims’ families.

Examples of the government’s commitment in this regard include designating Feb. 28 as a national holiday, setting up memorial halls, monuments and a foundation dedicated to investigating the incident, and making the event an important part of Taiwan’s human rights education.

A number of other February 28 activities were staged by civil societies throughout Taiwan, including book launches, music performances and a special exhibition on the related experiences and writings of George H. Kerr, a U.S. diplomat stationed in Taiwan during the incident.

In a separate memorial ceremony also in Taipei, ROC President-elect Tsai Ing-wen called for social unity through reconciliation, stating that only when the whole truth of the tragedy is brought to light can society as a whole comes to terms with the incident.

A civilized nation must look squarely at the dark chapters of its own history, the Democratic Progressive Party chairwoman said, adding that the incident reaffirms the importance of promoting transitional justice, a top priority for her new government.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242564&ctNode=2194&mp=9)