On February 28th (last Saturday), a press conference commemorating the 79th anniversary of the 228 Incident was held in the Taiwanese community in South Bay, Northern California. Members of the overseas Taiwanese community gathered to reflect on history, contemplate democratic values, remind the world to cherish the hard-won democracy and freedom, safeguard the future of Taiwan, and ensure that history will not repeat itself.
The event was organized by the Taiwan School Union, Northern California Taiwan Forum, Northern California Taiwan Cultural and Sports Association, San Francisco Bay Area Xiao-Ing Fan Club, and San Francisco Bay Area Friends of Trust Association.
Vice Director Cai Jiahua attended the press conference. She expressed that commemorating the 228 Incident is to face the historical wounds squarely. Only by honestly confronting the past can Taiwanese society truly unite and move forward. Commemorative activities help compatriots better understand the value of democracy and freedom, and she urged everyone to jointly protect Taiwan’s democracy and ensure not to regress.
She also thanked overseas compatriots for their long-standing concern for Taiwan, even while residing in the Bay Area, and for their continued attention to Taiwan’s development. She emphasized the significance of this connection in deepening Taiwan’s exchanges with the international community.
Commissioner for Overseas Compatriot Affairs Li Hanwen pointed out that the 228 Incident occurred on February 28, 1947, marking its 79th anniversary this year and the upcoming 80th anniversary next year. He believed that there would be more grand commemorative activities to come. He stressed that democracy is never a gift from heaven, but the result of generations of Taiwanese people guarding and struggling with their lives.
Commemorating the 228 Incident is not about perpetuating hatred but remembering historical traumas. Turning memories into the baseline of the system, locking power within the system, and preventing authoritarianism and oppression from resurfacing are crucial. Continuously consolidating democracy and freedom is the most practical consolation for the departed.
Participant Zheng Zhaohan, reflecting on history, mentioned that about thirty thousand people suffered during that period, resulting in the devastation of tens of thousands of families. Although the government has apologized and established commemorative facilities, the lost lives and happiness cannot be restored. He emphasized that others have no right to demand that the victims forgive or let go but should comfort their trauma with love and care.
He warned that if the Chinese Communist Party were to attack Taiwan with force, it would lead to “the island with no inhabitants left,” which would be a tragic repeat of the 228 Incident, with unimaginable consequences. “Who would be willing? Can you accept it?” he asked.
Representative from the education sector, Chen Qiuliang, stated that the previous generation went through turmoil and hardship to come abroad, but now there is no old hatred or new grudges. They hope that Taiwan will always be the homeland where everyone can return with peace of mind, welcoming each returnee with openness and warmth.
Xu Dehui pointed out that Taiwan’s democracy and freedom are hard-won. In the complex international situation, Taiwanese people should cherish and safeguard these values even more. He affirmed Taiwan’s performance and encouraged everyone to continue striving forward. ◇