Sunday, January 25, 2009

Guards, Original Name Returns to CKS Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂)

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan voted to replace the name "National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall" in favor of returning to its former name, "Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall" (中正紀念堂). However, the four-character inscription at the entrance alluding to Chiang will remain "Liberty Square." Former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) caused a political uproar in 2007 when he formally changed the memorial's name and original four-character inscription at the entrance.

The name change is pure Taiwan politics, as members of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) (民主進步黨) view Chiang as a dictator while the current ruling Kuomintang (KMT) (中國國民黨) overlooks Chiang's harsh rule, arguing that he saved the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan from communism.

Hopefully the return of the Chiang monument "honor guards" will draw more tourists back to Taipei attractions and help spur the economy. The story was reported here.