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Scenic Spot Construction: February 28, 1989 - A Witness to the Trajectory of Democratic Development ~ Chiayi City was the first to break through political taboos and establish the country's first [228 Memorial Monument]. The 228 Incident, which occurred in 1947, was a heart-wrenching historical tragedy. At the time, the central and Taiwan provincial governments considered the 228 Incident a taboo and obstructed the construction of the monument. However, under the persistence of Mayor Chang Po-Ya and the people, the monument was finally built in Chiayi in 1989, becoming the first [228 Memorial Monument] in the country. This white, three-dimensional conical monument is embedded with three inscribed tablets, detailing the process of building the monument, the spirit of its construction, and a brief history of the 228 Incident. It is hoped that by remembering the lessons of history, we can move beyond sorrow, respect life, and pursue justice. 228 Memorial Monument Inscription: After World War II, Taiwan was freed from Japanese rule, and people expected to live a life of freedom and democracy. However, the Chinese government, under Chen Yi's administration, was plagued by corruption, incompetence, and abuse of power. The post-war economy was in shambles, and prices skyrocketed, causing immense hardship for the Taiwanese people. As discontent grew, voices of resistance spread across the island. On February 27, 1947, in Taipei's Dadaocheng district, government officials attempted to apprehend a cigarette smuggler, brutally beating a female vendor and shooting at protesters. The next day, on February 28, Taipei citizens petitioned for the severe punishment of the perpetrators, only to be met with machine gun fire, leading to the outbreak of the [228 Incident], a province-wide uprising demanding thorough reform. Chen Yi initially pretended to compromise but secretly requested troops from mainland China. After the Chinese army landed, a massive island-wide slaughter and "pacification campaign" ensued, resulting in an untold number of Taiwanese elite casualties. For 40 years, their grievances went unaddressed and unhonored. Today, we erect this monument to commemorate and redress these injustices, to honor the sacrifices of our predecessors, and to remind future generations to remember the lessons of history. We vow to protect Taiwan and uphold justice and peace forever.