Coordinates: 25°2′4″N, 121°31′18″E Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...

The Memorial Hall

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Traditional Chinese: 國立中正紀念堂, Simplified Chinese: 国立中正纪念堂) is a monument erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China, in Taipei, Taiwan. A new name for the structure, National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall (Traditional Chinese: 國立台灣民主紀念館, Simplified Chinese: 国立台湾民主纪念馆).^[1], was announced by President Chen Shui-bian on 2007-05-19. In subsequent legal wrangling ^[2] opposition legislators repealed the organic regulations supporting the new name. In effect this annulled the change, though legislators generally declined to declare the old name preserved.^[3][4]. In Taiwan "Memorial Hall" suffices as the practical shorthand designation in English. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Traditional Chinese characters refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Chiang Kai-shek (October 31, 1887 – April 5, 1975) was the Chinese military and political leader who assumed the leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT) after the death of Sun Yat-sen in 1925. ... The Presidential Building is located in Zhongzheng District, Taipei City. ... Alternative meaning: Taipei County City nickname: the City of Azaleas Capital District Xinyi Area  - Total  - % water Ranked 16 of 25 271. ... Traditional Chinese characters refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China Chen Shui-bian (ch. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 139th day of the year (140th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Legislative Yuan building in Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (the view is partially obscured by the childrens hospital building of the National Taiwan University Hospital). ...

The monument, surrounded by a park and a large square incorporating the National Concert Hall and National Theater, stands within sight of Taiwan's Presidential Building in Taipei's Zhongzhen District. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The Presidential Building was formerly the Office of the Japanese Governor-General. ... Alternative meaning: Chiang Chung-cheng Zhongzheng District (中正區, Wade-Giles: Chung-cheng, Tongyong Pinyin: Jhongjheng) is the home of the most of the national government buildings of the Republic of China. ...

Development

After President Chiang Kai-shek died on 1975-04-05, the Executive Yuan of Taiwan's government established a Funeral Committee to build a memorial. The design, by architect Yang Cho-cheng, was chosen in a competition. Yang's design incorporated many elements of traditional Chinese architecture recalling the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, China. (The Kuomintang revered Dr. Sun as founder of the party and government Chiang had led.) Groundbreaking for the memorial took place on 1976-10-31, the 90th anniversary of Chiang's birth. The hall officially opened on 1980-04-05, the fifth anniversary of the leader's death. President is a title held by many leaders of organizations, companies, trade unions, universities, and countries. ... Chiang Kai-shek (October 31, 1887 – April 5, 1975) was the Chinese military and political leader who assumed the leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT) after the death of Sun Yat-sen in 1925. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Executive Yuan (行政院; literally executive court) is the executive branch of the government of the Republic of China. ... Yang Cho-Cheng (楊卓成; 1914 – November 26, 2006) was an internationally renowned architect. ... Section of the dome of Florence Cathedral. ... Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen The Entrance Gate Gate Ceiling of the sacrificial hall, displaying the flag of Kuomintang Marble coffin The Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (中山陵) is situated at the foot of the second peak of Mount Zijin (Purple Mountain 紫金山) in Nanjing, China. ... “Nanking” redirects here. ... The Kuomintang of China (abbreviation KMT) (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Tongyong Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Chung1-kuo2 Kuo2-min2-tang3) [1], also often translated as the Chinese Nationalist Party, is a political party in the Republic of China, now on Taiwan, and is currently the largest political party in... Dr. Sun Yat-sen (November 12, 1866 – March 12, 1925) was a Chinese revolutionary and political leader often referred to as the father of modern China. Sun played an instrumental role in the eventual overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. ... Year 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Memorial Park

Yang's design placed the main building at the east end of a park, originally named Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park (Traditional Chinese: 中正公園, Simplified Chinese: 中正公园), covering over 240,000 square metres in Zhongzheng District. A main gate, called the Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness (Chinese: 大中至正), was placed at the west end on Chung Shan South Road, with a Gate of Great Loyalty (Traditional Chinese: 大忠門, Simplified Chinese: 大忠门) standing at the north side on Hsin Yi (Xinyi) Road and a Gate of Great Piety (Chinese: 大孝門, Simplified Chinese: 大孝门) standing at the south side on Ai Kuo East Road. A Boulevard of Homage, bordered by manicured bushes, connected the main hall with Memorial Square. Traditional Chinese characters refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Alternative meaning: Chiang Chung-cheng Zhongzheng District (中正區, Wade-Giles: Chung-cheng, Tongyong Pinyin: Jhongjheng) is the home of the most of the national government buildings of the Republic of China. ... Traditional Chinese characters refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Memorial Square today is flanked by the National Concert Hall on the north and the National Theatre on the south. These cultural centers provide a backdrop to events on the square even as they host over 800 events annually. It is common to see students, athletes and soldiers practicing drills and dance routines around these buildings. Every year the Taipei Lantern Festival takes place on the square. Huge lantern floats are arrayed around a central lantern featuring the Chinese Zodiac animal for that year. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Year 2007 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi, Taiwan The Lantern Festival (Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; Pinyin: ) or (Yuanxiao Festival), also known as the Shang Yuan Festival (上元节), is a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar year in the Chinese calendar. ... Chinese astrology (占星術 pinyin: zhan4 xing1 shu4; 星學 pinyin: xing1 xue2; 七政四餘 pinyin: qi1 zheng4 si4 yu2; and 果老星宗 pinyin: guo3 lao3 xing1 zong1) is related to the Chinese calendar, particularly its 12-year cycle of animals (aka Chinese Zodiac), and...

The ponds and parks surrounding the memorial and cultural centers feature well-maintained lawns, trees, and pathways. The ponds are filled with the colourful koi traditionally found in gardens in East Asia. One often sees people in the parks playing Go or practicing taekwondo, Tai chi chuan and other martial arts. Binomial name (Linnaeus, 1758) Koi ) (IPA: ), or more specifically nishikigoi ) (IPA: , literally brocaded carp), are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp Cyprinus carpio. ... East Asia Geographic East Asia. ... Go is a strategic East Asian board game for two players. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi Chüan or Taijiquan (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: ; literally supreme ultimate fist) is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced to promote health and longevity. ... Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ...

The Memorial Hall

The main vault of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall contains a statue of Chiang Kai-shek. It is under guard during daytime.

The main building is white with four sides. The octagonal roof rises 70 meters above the ground and is covered with blue glazed glass tiles. The blue and white colors of the building and the red colour of the flowerbeds echo the colours in the flag of the Republic of China. The octagonal shape picks up the symbolism of the number 8, a number traditionally associated in Asia with abundance and good fortune. Inside the main chamber of the Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall. ... Inside the main chamber of the Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall. ... The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall The view of the memorial hall from the Concert Hall. ... National flag. ...

Two sets of white stairs, each with 89 steps to represent Chiang's age at the time of his death, lead to the main entrance. The main entrance features a pair of double doors, each standing 16 meters high and weighing 75 tons, that open into the main hall. A large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek dominates the main hall. The figure is shown smiling, seated and wearing traditional Chinese dress. Inscribed on the wall above and behind the seated figure are the Chinese characters for Ethics, Democracy, and Science. Inscriptions on the side walls read The purpose of life is to improve the general life of humanity and The meaning of life is to create and sustain subsequent lives in the universe. Representatives of Taiwan's armed forces guard the main hall during its open hours. (The branch of service represented changes periodically according to a rotating schedule.) Guards are changed in an elaborate ritual that attracts visitors. Chiang Kai-shek (October 31, 1887 – April 5, 1975) was the Chinese military and political leader who assumed the leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT) after the death of Sun Yat-sen in 1925. ...

The ground level of the memorial houses a library and museum documenting Chiang Kai-shek's life and career.

Renaming process

Side view shortly after the renaming ceremony.

Taiwan's society underwent a dramatic transformation in the years following Chiang's death. In the next two decades Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國) and Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) presided over a peaceful transition from single-party rule enforcing martial law to pluralistic democracy with protected human rights. The nature and meaning of Chiang Kai-shek's rule could be openly debated and, as details of the 228 Incident and White Terror publicly emerged, they were. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Chiang Ching-kuo (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: JiÇŽng JÄ«ngguó; Wade-Giles: Chiang Ching-kuo) (April 271, 1910 – January 13, 1988), Kuomintang (KMT) politician and leader, was the son of President Chiang Kai-shek and held numerous posts in the government of the Republic of China (from... Lee Teng-hui (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ) born January 15, 1923) is a politician of Taiwan. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Human rights are rights which some hold to be inalienable and belonging to all humans. ... The 228 Monument located near the Presidential Office in Taipei The 228 Incident (Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; Peh-ōe-jÄ«: JÄ«-jÄ«-pat sÅ«-kiāⁿ) also known as the 228 Massacre (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ) was an uprising in Taiwan that began on February 28, 1947 and was suppressed by the... It has been suggested that The White Terror (France) be merged into this article or section. ...

In 2000 Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), a native of the Taiwan and member of the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, was elected president. The executive branch of Taiwan's government fell out of KMT control for the first time. Executive power had been handed to the DPP and its affiliated parties, known as the Pan-Green Coalition; the KMT and its affiliated parties, known as the Pan-Blue Coalition, maintained control of the legislature. Elections in 2004 preserved the situation, awarding a second term to Chen and a one-vote majority in the legislature to the opposition. Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China Chen Shui-bian (ch. ... The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; abbreviated to or ; Hanyu Pinyin: MínjìndÇŽng) is a major political party in the Republic of China which has traditionally been associated with the pan-green coalition and Taiwan independence although it has moderated its stance as it has... The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; abbreviated to or ; Hanyu Pinyin: MínjìndÇŽng) is a major political party in the Republic of China which has traditionally been associated with the pan-green coalition and Taiwan independence although it has moderated its stance as it has... Anthem National Anthem of the Republic of China Capital (and largest city) Taipei1 Official languages Standard Mandarin (GuóyÇ”), Taiwanese, Aborigine Government Semi-presidential system  -  President Chen Shui-bian  -  Vice President Annette Lu  -  Premier Chang Chun-hsiung Establishment Xinhai Revolution   -  Independence declared October 10, 1911   -  Republic established January 1, 1912... The Kuomintang of China (abbreviation KMT) (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Tongyong Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Chung1-kuo2 Kuo2-min2-tang3) [1], also often translated as the Chinese Nationalist Party, is a political party in the Republic of China, now on Taiwan, and is currently the largest political party in... The Pan-Green Coalition (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ) or Pan-Green Force (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ), is currently an informal political alliance in the Republic of China (Taiwan), consisting of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), and the minor Taiwan Independence Party (TAIP). ... The Pan-Blue Coalition (Traditional Chinese: 泛藍聯盟; Simplified Chinese: 泛蓝联盟; Hanyu Pinyin: ), or Pan-Blue Force (Traditional Chinese: 泛藍軍; Simplified Chinese: 泛蓝军; Hanyu Pinyin: ), is a political coalition in Taiwan, consisting of the Kuomintang (KMT), the People First Party (PFP), and the smaller New Party (CNP). ... The Legislative Yuan building in Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (the view is partially obscured by the childrens hospital building of the National Taiwan University Hospital). ...

In 2006 37 DPP legislators proposed that Chiang Kai-shek's memorial be relocated to his tomb at Cihhu and that the current structure be renamed Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall (Traditional Chinese: 台灣民主紀念館, Traditional Chinese: 台湾民主纪念馆). They noted that the law authorizing a memorial for Chiang does not specify the site; a change in locale could thus be enacted by a simple executive order.^[5] Chiang Kai-sheks remains lie in a black marble sarcophagus in his former residence. ... Traditional Chinese characters refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... Traditional Chinese characters refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ...

The proposal attracted support from other Pan-Green officials. Pan-Green leaders saw the idea as another step in the direction of rectifying names and symbols associated with Taiwan's authoritarian past to make them more inclusive and characteristic of local Taiwanese culture. Pan-Blue officials resisted the measure. Few expressed open support of Chiang Kai-shek or one-party rule, arguing instead that the move represented unnecessary expense and election-year theater and that the localization of Taiwan's place names and symbols represented a treacherous effort to desinicize the island's culture. The Pan-Green Coalition (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ) or Pan-Green Force (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ), is currently an informal political alliance in the Republic of China (Taiwan), consisting of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), and the minor Taiwan Independence Party (TAIP). ... The Pan-Blue Coalition (Traditional Chinese: 泛藍聯盟; Simplified Chinese: 泛蓝联盟; Hanyu Pinyin: ), or Pan-Blue Force (Traditional Chinese: 泛藍軍; Simplified Chinese: 泛蓝军; Hanyu Pinyin: ), is a political coalition in Taiwan, consisting of the Kuomintang (KMT), the People First Party (PFP), and the smaller New Party (CNP). ... Desinicization (Simplified Chinese: 去中国化; Traditional Chinese: 去中國化; pinyin: , de + sinicization, meaning making non-Chinese) is a term which appeared within the political vocabulary of the Republic of China on Taiwan in 2001. ...

In 2007 the Ministry of Education of the Executive Yuan (part of the executive branch of government led by the DPP) decided to rename the hall. Support and resistance to the measure, mainly along party lines, materialized immediately.

The Memorial had been listed as a "third tier" landmark on the government's list of protected heritage sites. The Executive Yuan subsequently demoted the Memorial Hall to a "fourth tier" landmark, enabling changes to be made to the hall without Legislative approval. The Executive Yuan said the name change complied with laws stating that fourth-tier landmarks may be modified by the Executive Yuan directly via Organic Regulations, rather than via Organic Acts which require the approval of Legislature.^[6] Taipei's city government, controlled by the KMT, responded by designating the 27-year-old hall and its surrounding walls a "temporary historical site" to make alterations to the structure unlawful according to city ordinances.^[7]

The official ceremony marking the renaming of the hall took place on 19 May 2007 when President Chen Shui-bian unveiled a plaque in front of the memorial bearing the name National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall (Traditional Chinese: 國立台灣民主紀念館). ^[8] Chen announced that the name change reflected the desire of citizens "to bid goodbye to the old age and to show that we Taiwanese are all standing firmly behind the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights." He noted that the date, May 19, marked the fifty-eighth anniversary of the imposition of martial law on Taiwan; the event began rule by the military on the island for thirty-eight years. ^{[9] [10]} Minor scuffles broke out among gathered spectators before the ceremony. ^[11] is the 139th day of the year (140th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Chen Shui-bian, President of the Republic of China Chen Shui-bian (ch. ... Traditional Chinese (Traditional Chinese: 正體字/繁體字, Simplified Chinese: 正体字/繁体字) refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Large banners covering the north and south faces of the hall displayed the new name along with graphics of wild lilies. The images recalled the pro-democracy Wild Lily Student Movement of 1990 (野百合學運) while the background colors, blue and green, suggested political inclusiveness. New signs, displaying the new name and graphics, appeared in the garden park areas of the north and south gates. A drape covered the original name plaque over the entrance and the doors remained closed. No physical changes to the structure of the hall, though, were apparent and the statue of Chiang Kai-shek remained intact inside. Some of these details changed again in the days that followed: see below.

City government responses and name reversal

The legality of the Executive Branch's move has been disputed by the Pan-Blue Coalition. Legislator Chang Hsien-yao (張顯耀) said: "According to the Constitution, any administrative order that goes against an existing law is invalid. So if the Legislature has not yet abolished the organic act of the CKS Memorial Hall, which has the same legal status as law, the newly proposed organic regulation, which is an administrative order, is invalid." The Constitution of the Republic of China gives only the Legislature the power to enact, amend, or repeal laws.^[12] KMT legislators contend that the move by the Executive Yuan encroaches upon the powers of the Legislative Yuan, thereby violating the separation of powers. The Pan-Blue Coalition (Traditional Chinese: 泛藍聯盟; Simplified Chinese: 泛蓝联盟; Hanyu Pinyin: ), or Pan-Blue Force (Traditional Chinese: 泛藍軍; Simplified Chinese: 泛蓝军; Hanyu Pinyin: ), is a political coalition in Taiwan, consisting of the Kuomintang (KMT), the People First Party (PFP), and the smaller New Party (CNP). ... The Constitution of the Republic of China (Traditional Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; Tongyong Pinyin: JhongHuá MínGuó SiànFÇŽ) is currently the basic governing document for the areas controlled by the Republic of China (ROC) , namely all of Taiwan Province, Taipei and Kaohsiung municipalities, and Kinmen county and part of Lienchiang county...

Taipei City mayor Hau Lung-pin declared he would authorize no changes to city-maintained signs, including mass transit signs and maps, that would recognize changes in the hall's name. Hau cited the high costs of making such changes and blamed the name change on the desire of officials to create "ideological strife." ^[13] The mayor asserted that, until the amendment proposed by the Executive was passed by the Legislature, he would recognize no changes to the hall as legal.^[14] Hau Lung-pin (郝龍斌) (born on August 22, 1952 in Taiwan with ancestral roots in Jiangsu, China) is a politician in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and is the current Mayor of Taipei. ...

On May 22, Taipei City authorities moved in and dismantled the scaffolding obscuring the "Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall" tablet, and also removed the gigantic signs bearing the text "Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall" which had been hung over the memorial hall, on the basis that this covered the cultural site, which violates the Cultural Protection Law of the ROC and also that it was unauthorised advertising which violated Taipei City law. The City Government also issued a fine to the Ministry of Education for the second time over its redesignation moves, for blocking the view of and access to a heritage building. The Ministry of Education had earlier shut the gates to the Memorial for what it claimed was "repair work". The City Government has stated that, since no workmen could be observed conducting any repair work, it will take steps to re-open the gates. ^[15]

On May 24, the new name plate unveiled by Chen Shui-bian was taken down by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education cited the costly efforts to have police stand guard at the name plate 24-7 as the primary reason for its removal. A veteran was seen spitting on the new name plate that prompted the 24 hour police presence.^[16]

On June 7, a joint meeting of committees in the Legislative Yuan repealed the Ministry of Education's Organic Regulations of the National Taiwan Democracy Hall that established the name change^[3]. The move effectively voided the legal basis for the change, though pan-Blue legislators refrained from declaring the new name dead or the old one preserved. One legislator involved in the repeal was quoted as saying the final designation for the hall remained a political issue to be resolved through political means. ^[17]

See also

• National Theatre (Taiwan)
• National Concert Hall (Taiwan)
• Presidential Palace
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
• Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The Presidential Building was formerly the Office of the Japanese Governor-General. ... The exterior of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. ... Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen The Entrance Gate Gate Ceiling of the sacrificial hall, displaying the flag of Kuomintang Marble coffin The Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (中山陵) is situated at the foot of the second peak of Mount Zijin (Purple Mountain 紫金山) in Nanjing, China. ...

Notes

The Taipei Times is one of the three English-language newspapers in Taiwan, the other two being the Taiwan News and the China Post. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

• National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall Official Website
• A site describing the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial
• National CKS Cultural Center Official Website