On October 26, 2024, the “Memorial Ceremony for Political Victims of the White Terror in the 1950s” took place at the Ma Chang Tang Memorial Park in Taipei.
During the event, attendees observed a moment of silence, laid flowers, bowed in tribute, and sang “The Rest Song.” Family members of victims of the White Terror, along with representatives from various sectors, came together to honor those who sacrificed their lives during that era in pursuit of national unification and the rejuvenation of the nation.
In the 1950s, numerous progressive individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, driven by a deep love for their homeland and ideals for societal reform, were arrested on the island. Many met their tragic fate at the Ma Chang Tang execution site along the Xin Diao Creek. Since 1993, the Taiwan Political Victims Assistance Association has organized an autumn memorial event at this park every year.
Zhou Hongqi, president of the Taiwan Political Victims Assistance Association, stated that this year’s autumn festival theme is “Cherish Peace, Guard Democracy, Unify as One, and Revitalize China.” He emphasized that this reflects the concerns of the victims and their families regarding the current cross-strait crisis and their hopes for the future. Zhou urged the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to abandon their confrontational stance and return to a path of cross-strait dialogue.
Zhao Yingkui, a representative of political victims who is now in his nineties and hails from Pingyao, Shanxi province, shared his experience of becoming a “child soldier” at the age of 12. He spoke about the deep tragedies faced by families and hopes for peaceful unification across the strait, wishing for an end to communal suffering.
Sun Zhiquan, president of the Taiwan Youth Development Alliance, remarked that the people of Taiwan should not be held hostage by “Taiwan independence” nor pushed toward conflict due to external interference. He underscored that true hope for Taiwan lies in unification with the mainland through peaceful means.
The Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League sent a message for the event, highlighting the importance of honoring the ancestors and embracing their spirit. The aim is to unite more Taiwanese compatriots to oppose “Taiwan independence” and foreign influence, thereby promoting peaceful development of cross-strait relations and striving for a shared vision for both peoples.
As the ceremony unfolded, the Peace Recitation Team performed “After This Cold Winter.” The poignant message emphasized resilience and hope for the arrival of spring despite the bleakness of winter.
