[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 69TH COMMEMORATION OF TAIWAN'S ``2-28 MASSACRE''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2016

  Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe the 69th 
commemoration of Taiwan's ``2-28 Massacre.''
   On February 28, 1947, the brutal arrest of a female civilian in 
Taipei led to large-scale protests by the native Taiwanese against the 
Chinese Nationalist government.
   During the following days, government troops arrived from mainland 
China. These soldiers began capturing and executing leading Taiwanese 
lawyers, doctors, students, and other citizens. It is estimated that 
between 10,000 and 30,000 people lost their lives during the turmoil. 
Throughout the following four decades, Taiwan remained under martial 
law that lasted until 1987.
   The ``2-28'' Massacre had far-reaching implications. The Taiwanese 
democracy movement that grew out of the incident helped pave the way 
for Taiwan's momentous transformation from living under a dictatorship 
to a thriving democracy.
   I urge other Members to join me in commemorating this important 
historical event.

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