Exhibitions spotlight life during war-era ROC

2015/07/08

Two exhibitions documenting the lives of ROC nationals in mainland China and Taiwan during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) opened July 3 at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei City.

“Bonfire Records: Transient Lives in the Time of War” features rare photographs—many taken by Central News Agency staffers—of the trials and tribulations of everyday people during the conflict in mainland China, as well as historical videos and recordings of wartime radio broadcasts.

One of the standout shots is of Girl Scout Yang Hui-min and actress Brigitte Lin, who played Yang in the 1975 film “800 Heroes.” A then 22-year-old Yang risked life and limb in 1937 to carry an ROC national flag to around 400 soldiers holding out at Sihang Warehouse during the Battle of Shanghai.

Two other special pictures are of actress-cum-aviator Lee Ya-ching and Hilda Yen, a high society figure with a passion for flying. Lee, who in 1936 was the first woman granted a civil aviation license in the ROC, was joined by Yen three years later in making high-profile flights around U.S. cities to collect donations in support of the ROC armed forces.

Closer to home, “Chiang Wei-shui Memorial Exhibition” focuses on the Taiwan democracy pioneer and his founding of the Taiwan Cultural Association in 1921 to secure better treatment for the people of Taiwan and improve their rights during Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945).

Comprising oil paintings of Chiang’s life by Liu Yang-che, the organizational chart of Taiwan social movements, related news reports and photos of commemorative functions in recent years, the exhibition is a must for those interested in learning about a trailblazer who succeeded in reviving local traditions and customs while demonstrating the existence of Taiwan civil society.

At the opening ceremony for the exhibitions, President Ma Ying-jeou said 2015 is special as it marks the 70th anniversary of the ROC’s victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War and the retrocession of Taiwan. “This important chapter in history demonstrates that the mistakes of history may be forgiven, but the truth of events must not be forgotten.”

Ma, who also presented an autographed ROC national flag to Yang’s son Chu Fu-kuei, added that millions of Chinese people, including soldiers, women and children, laid down their lives during the eight-year conflict.

Echoing Ma’s remarks, Minister of Culture Hung Meng-chi said it is important to recognize the selfless sacrifices of the Chinese people in resisting Japanese aggression. “This courage made them the unsung heroes of the war.”

The Bonfire Records and Chiang Wei-shui exhibitions wrap up July 30 and Aug. 23, respectively.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=232289&ctNode=413)