War and Peace Memorial Park Theme Hall Introduction
In Cijin, besides the beautiful beach scenery, night market snacks, and historical sites, Cijin Second Road features a tranquil and elegant War and Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates a forgotten chapter of history. During World War II and the Chinese Civil War, 60,000 young Taiwanese left home to fight, with over 30,000 soldiers losing their lives overseas and 15,000 missing; after the Kuomintang took control of Taiwan, more than 15,000 troops went to mainland China to participate in the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War, with estimates of casualties exceeding 10,000. Only a few hundred successfully returned to Taiwan, while hundreds more remained stranded on the mainland, some captured and became part of the People's Liberation Army. To commemorate this important historical fact, the War and Peace Memorial Park was established on May 20, 2009, through the efforts of the Republic of China National Army Taiwanese Veterans and Families Association and Mr. Xu Zhaorong. The park features a memorial hall displaying various significant historical documents and artifacts, each narrating the story of a chaotic political era where Taiwanese individuals, like floating reeds without roots, faced a tumultuous fate with little attention. They left home to fight without knowing the reasons behind their battles or for whom they sacrificed their lives. An image of a Taiwanese person wearing the military uniforms of the Japanese Army, Kuomintang, and the People's Liberation Army on the exterior wall of the theme hall highlights the sorrow and fate of Taiwanese individuals at the time. Outside the hall, there are memorials, the Echo of Heart Square, parks, and an observation deck, as Cijin was the last glimpse of the harbor for Taiwanese soldiers of the Japanese Army or Kuomintang before they set out. Tragic eras can be forgiven but should not be forgotten; the blood and tears of Taiwanese soldiers may be heavy, yet they serve as a profound reminder of the horrors of war and the value of peace.
