228 Peace Memorial Day is a public holiday in the Republic of China (Taiwan) that honors the victims of the 228 Incident.
On this day, the national flag of Taiwan is flown at half-staff as a symbol of respect for the perished.
The 228 Incident, also known as the 228 Massacre, 2/28 Massacre or simply 2/28, is considered one of the most important events in the modern history of Taiwan.
It marked the beginning of the so-called White Terror, the period of martial law that lasted for 38 years.
After WWII, temporary administrative control of Taiwan was handed to the Kuomintang-administered Republic of China.
Many Taiwanese were displeased with the new nationalist government.
On February 27, 1947 a dispute between a cigarette vendor and an officer in Taipei triggered civil disorder.
On February 28, a full-scale uprising began.
It was violently suppressed by the military, who killed thousands of people.
For a long time, the 228 Massacre was officially taboo.
In 1995, President Lee Teng-hui became the first Taiwanese head of state to address it publicly.
February 28 was declared an official remembrance day.
