An exhibition marking the 102nd anniversary of the birth of the late Taiwanese democracy activist, legal scholar and politician Peng Ming-min (彭明敏) opened today at the National 228 Memorial Museum in Taipei.
Titled "Inspiring the Island's Path to Freedom: The Beliefs and Actions of Peng Ming-min," the event is organized by the Peng Foundation for Culture and Education.
Photo: Chen Yu-fu, Taipei Times
The exhibition is divided into 10 sections highlighting different stages of Peng's life and activism, from his youth and academic career to his 1964 manifesto, years under government surveillance, and dramatic escape from Taiwan in 1970, the foundation said.
Among the items on display are personal belongings he used during his escape, including glasses, a fake beard and a shoulder bag.
According to the foundation, the exhibition uses a life-story narrative to guide visitors step-by-step through Peng's journey, from being groomed by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) as a model rising star to becoming a leader of Taiwan's self-determination movement.
In her opening speech, the foundation's chairwoman, Yang Huang Mei-hsing (楊黃美幸), said Peng's life spanned three generations, and he believed Taiwan and China are separate countries and that intellectuals must serve their nation.
His indomitable spirit and willingness to sacrifice for Taiwan's future should inspire generations to come, Yang added.
Speaking on behalf of President William Lai (賴清德), Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Mark Ho Chih-wei (何志偉) said Peng's impact on Taiwan is not measured in 100 or 200 years, but will last forever.
This exhibition is not only a commemoration but also an inspiration, and we hope everyone comes to see it, Ho added.
Kazuyuki Katayama, Japan's representative to Taiwan, also attended the event and reflected on Peng's contributions to Taiwan's democratization.
"We wish to express our highest respect to Peng Ming-min and to all those who have worked toward Taiwan's democracy," he said.
The exhibition on Peng, who passed away at the age of 98 in 2022, is being held until Nov. 2.
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