Taipei: The British Office Taipei and the German Institute Taipei commemorated 228 Peace Memorial Day on Saturday by sharing reflections on historical lessons and the significance of democracy through social media.

According to Focus Taiwan, the British Office Taipei posted on Facebook, drawing a parallel between Taiwan's observance of 228 Peace Memorial Day and the United Kingdom's Remembrance Day. The post emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those in the past for the sake of freedom and peace, using the phrase "Lest we forget" as a reminder. It highlighted how Taiwan's commemoration similarly honors the victims of the 228 Incident and reflects on the island's ongoing journey toward peace and democracy.

The British office commented on the universal experience of societies enduring "unspeakable collective pain" in the quest for peace, truth, and justice, noting these values are shared by both the U.K. and Taiwan. The office further stated that in today's rapidly changing world, it is vital to commemorate the past to preserve civic identity and value free societies.

The German Institute Taipei also marked the day by highlighting the importance of remembering those who suffered during the 1947 crackdown. The institute pointed out that historical evidence shows victims of state violence are predominantly civilians, often including women and children. It stressed that democracy and respect for human rights are crucial to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

The German office concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of democratic societies like Germany and Taiwan to continue efforts in clarifying historical truths and restoring justice for victims.