In Taiwan, February 28th honors the massacre of tens of thousands of Taiwanese and marks a day of remembrance for the uprising against the Chinese Nationalist government in 1947. The conflict began in the aftermath of the party’s takeover of Taiwan in 1945 and was followed by a 38-year period of government-imposed martial law.
In response to this tragic event, some people placed fresh flowers alongside commemorative plaques or protested with signs around the 228 Memorial Peace Park and in other areas of Taipei. Many others took advantage of the early spring weather to enjoy a concert in the park or bathe in the warm sun.
Xiulian Li (李秀蓮), an engaging 85-year-old woman sitting on a bench, shared some of her experience growing up and insights into the present. “I was around 7 or 8 years old then,” she remembered. “They didn’t kill the fools. It was all doctors and elites. The fools never die.”
“Indeed, despite having borne witness to history, subsequent generations still vote for the KMT,” she said, leaning forward and laughing at the irony.
“Now, China pushes the Nationalists to wreak havoc. It makes it difficult for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to govern. I hope that China stops trying to interfere and that we can live separately but in peace.”