Premier Chang San-cheng today expressed the government's apologies and condolences to the victims of the February 28 Incident and their families. The event has had a profound influence on Taiwan, not only inflicting unforgettable pain on civilians but also suppressing democratic progress and causing ethnic identity and conflict issues, he said. Every person continues to reflect on these costs as the tragedy has become a shared memory in Taiwanese society.
The premier made the remarks while accompanying President Ma Ying-jeou to the National 228 Memorial Museum in Taipei to mark the 69th anniversary of the incident in which anti-government uprisings were ensued by a bloody crackdown on thousands of civilians.
Along with democratic reform and the opening of society, Chang said, the gradual release of official documents has allowed the public to probe and discuss the events of 1947. The government has published investigation reports on the matter and continues to declassify documents in the effort to restore historical fact. Authorities also worked with families and community leaders to set up the Memorial Foundation of 228, which works to compensate victims, restore their honor and comfort their families. The foundation also exhibits educational and cultural articles that explore the truth behind the incident.
In July 2009, the government amended the February 28 Incident Disposition and Compensation Act to form the legal basis for the establishment and operation of the National 228 Memorial Museum. With government funding, the museum opened its doors on February 28, 2011 as a national-level institution promoting the history and education of the 228 Incident.
In addition to mourning fallen heroes and reflecting on historical lessons, the museum calls on all Taiwanese to practice tolerance and trust and to strive for ethnic unity and transitional justice. In this way, people of all backgrounds, genders, faiths and values will be able to respect one another and coexist in peace, Premier Chang added.