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2-28 Memorials across Taiwan
Keelung City 2-28 Memorial Cenotaph

Built in 1996, the Keelung 2-28 Cenotaph was sculpted in the shape of a spiral to represent perfection, harmony, and the “circle” signifies the reason for building the monument. The cenotaph and landscape both use the circle as the theme in its construction.

Ba-du Train Station 2-28 Memorial Cenotaph

This cenotaph, which sits next to the Ba-du Train Station, is dedicated to the memory of 17 railway employees who were killed in the 2-28 Incident. The cenotaph was built on the initiative of the families of Stationmaster Li Dan-xiu and Deputy Stationmaster Xu Chao-zong, who were among the 17 who died during the 2-28 Incident. The cenotaph was completed in 1994.

 
Taoyuan County 2-28 Cenotaph

This bronze cenotaph stands six meters high with an eight-meter base, and was designed under three themes: “Hands and Hearts Together”, “Luminous Harmony”, and “Remembering the Blood of Kinship.”

The “Hands and Hearts Together” theme is found in the shape of the cenotaph, with the hands coming together to form the shape of a heart. This theme is meant to signify tolerance, harmony, light, a common sense of justice, conciliation, mourning, cooperation, and the building of a cohesive society.

The “Luminous Harmony” theme is seen in the joining of the hands, which creates a virtual, harmonious space and symbolizes the light of the sun and moon together. The light signifies public justice.

The “Remembering the Blood of Kinship” theme is represented in the heart-shaped center of the cenotaph – a space meant to recall memories, the lessons of history, pain, and mourning.

The Taipei 2-28 Memorial Monument

The 2-28 Monument was built in the Taipei 2-28 Peace Park so that its physical location links to historically significant periods in Taiwan history. Situated in the center, the front of the monument faces the Taiwan Museum, which was built under the Japanese administration. The back of the monument faces the Qing dynasty-era Nanmen, or “South gate.” The north side of the monument points to the old Taipei Train Station, the east side of the monument to National Taiwan University Hospital, and the west side to Ximen and Kokaitou Hall (presently Chungshan Hall), all representing three types of architectures from three different periods of rule in Taiwan's history.

1. Iron Frame
The materials used to make the lightning rod at the top of the structure were taken from a crane at the Keelung Harbor, in reference to the fact that Nationalist troops entered Taiwan through Keelung Harbor after the 2-28 Incident to suppress the growing resistance.

2. Abacus Beads
Two sets of two beads added together makes four, and two beads multiplied twice is also four. No matter how one calculates the beads, eight will never be an answer. This is meant to represent how a mistake became a tragedy.

3. The Cubes
The cubes, an “unnatural shape” as opposed to spheres, represent a disturbance in the nature of men, echoing the discomfort of the 2-28 Incident. The design also conveys the hope that mankind can use their strength to return to nature and harmony. The cube, having four sides, also represents the four main ethnic groups in Taiwan – the descendants of the Fujianese, the Hakka, the mainland Chinese, and the Aboriginals. The cube unites the four groups living together, inseparable, in peace.

4. Sphere with Cross-Section
As the Tropic of cancer passes through Taiwan, a cross-section of the sphere was carved at 23.5 degrees, ending at the tropic of cancer. On the surface is an inscription noting that the 2-28 Incident occurred on an island at the Northern Line of Return.

5. Yin and Yang Stones
The Yin stone symbolizes the souls of the world, and the Yang stone represents the physical world. A visitor stepping through the side of the Yin stone enters a space of death and mourning; circling around, the visitor moves into the Yang side, which symbolizes walking away from tragedy and returning to the earth.

6. The Spirits
By placing the deceased's ashes in the urn and then covering it with dirt, we lay the deceased to rest.

7. The Scar in the Palm
This symbolizes the deep sorrow of the families of the 2-28 victims. When visitors put their hands in it, their bodies naturally lean forward and their heads tilt downwards, placing them in position of mourning.

8. Octagonal Jade Stone with Hole in Center (“Cong”)
This Jade stone was used by the Han Chinese as an offering to their ancestors. The names of 2-28 victims are inscribed in the stone, with the hope of symbolizing a fortunate life full of tolerance.

9. Black Water Spheres
Black steel balls float in the pool at the base of the monument, symbolizing drops of blood from the victims.

The 2-28 Memorial Cenotaph on Nanjing East Road

In 1998, the fifty-first anniversary of the 2-28 Incident, the Taipei City Government set out to build a memorial cenotaph on Nanjing East Road, Alley 185. The cenotaph was to commemorate the event that sparked the 2-28 Incident, when a street vendor's cigarettes were confiscated by Monopoly Bureau agents. Due to environmental restrictions in the area, the government did not build further, but has placed a memorial plaque detailing the events.

Sanchong City 2-28 Memorial Cenotaph

This cenotaph was built in 2002 at the Peace Park in Sanchong City. The centerpiece of the cenotaph uses stainless steel pillars from the International Lions Club. The green area surrounding the cenotaph has been paved so that visitors can have ample room to observe and reflect upon this work.

The Hualien County 2-28 Memorial Stone