228 Memorial Monument Introduction
Attraction Construction: On February 28, 1989, the first 【228 Memorial Monument】 in Taiwan was established in Chiayi City, marking a significant milestone in the development of democracy. The February 28 Incident, which occurred in 1947, was a painful historical tragedy. At that time, both the central government and the Taiwan provincial government regarded the incident as a taboo and tried various means to obstruct the construction of the memorial. However, through the persistent efforts of Chang Bo-Ya and the public, the monument was finally erected in Chiayi, becoming the first 【228 Memorial Monument】 in the country. This white, three-dimensional conical monument features three inscriptions detailing the process of building the monument, the spirit behind it, and a brief history of the February 28 Incident. It aims to remind us to learn from historical lessons, to move beyond sorrow, respect life, and pursue justice. After World War II, Taiwan was liberated from Japanese rule, under the impression that a free and democratic life lay ahead. However, the Chinese regime's officials sent to Taiwan were corrupt and incompetent, leading to parades of privilege against a backdrop of a shattered post-war economy and soaring prices, causing immense suffering among the people. This discontent resulted in widespread calls for resistance throughout the island. On February 27, 1947, in Dadaocheng, Taipei, officials attempted to crack down on illicit tobacco, leading to the brutal injury of a female vendor, followed by police opening fire on protesting citizens. The next day, on February 28, residents of Taipei petitioned for stricter measures against the perpetrators, only to be met with machine-gun fire, igniting island-wide protests demanding comprehensive governmental reforms known as the 【February 28 Incident】. Initially, Chen Yi pretended to compromise but secretly called for military intervention from China. Once the mainland troops landed, they launched a brutal massacre and pacification campaign, resulting in countless casualties among Taiwan's elite, leaving thirty years of unresolved grievances. Today, the erection of this monument serves to commemorate those sacrifices and ensure that future generations learn from history, vowing to safeguard Taiwan and uphold lasting justice and peace.
