Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

October 14, 2008
As usual, first comes the history lesson...
You know, the one you've all been waiting for. Born on October 31, 1887 and died on April 5, 1975, (although Matt & I would like to argue with this "fact." The memorial said that he died in 1979. I even saw an award he received for his 90th birthday in 1977. Hmmm...). He served as Generalissimo (Chairman of the National Military Council) of the Nationalist Government of the Republic of China (ROC) from 1928 to 1948. When Sun Yat-sen died in 1925, Chiang took control of the Kuomintang (KMT). To end the Warlord era and unify China, Chiang led nationalist troops in the Northern Expedition. He became the overall leader of the ROC in 1928. Chiang led China in the Second Sino-Japanese War, during which the Nationalist Government's power severely weakened, but his prominence grew. During the civil war after the Japanese surrender in 1945, he attempted to eradicate the Chinese Communists but ultimately failed, forcing his KMT government to retreat to Taiwan, where he continued the struggle against the communist regime. Serving as the President of the Republic of China and Director-General of the KMT, Chiang died in 1975. Or 1979. Depends on who you believe, the ROC or non for profit Wikipedia? I'm with the ROC. Those folks wouldn't mess around with such an incredible historical figure.

We met our Raleigh friends, Brian and Chandra (the ones we met in Hong Kong), at the Hyatt in Taipei. Brian's assignment in mainland China has ended and he and his wife are traveling around before returning to the US. Being newcomers to Taiwan, it's still hard for us to decide what the most valuable, quick Taiwan experience is. Matt decided to take them to The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. I was very excited to see this, although my desire stems from my love of Chinese gardens and architecture, not the historical value or to pay homage to a leader. I think Matt has told me a dozen or so times the significance of CKS and still I needed to look him up in Wikipedia. Perhaps now I'll remember.

According to the guide books I've read, traditional, bold, arched, and architecturally exquisite Chinese gates front the grounds of this beautiful memorial. I, personally wouldn't know because for some reason we were dropped off at a side entrance and by the time we got to the front entrance it was pouring. I did get to walk through the gates on our way out, but really couldn't study them because I was dodging raindrops with Caitlin on my back and holding an umbrella. No time for fascination.

Built in 1980, it is set in a classic Chinese park and houses an imposing 25 ton bronze statue of the late leader (picture the Lincoln Memorial). Under the statue is a museum which features a chronological photographic synopses of his life as well as some of his possessions. It gives you a glimpse of the Nationalist view of 20th century Chinese history.

The gardens are supposed to be a hot spot for wedding photographs, strolls and everthing in between. I would loved to have stopped to stay a while, but it will have to wait for a dryer day.