By Madden H.R. No. 221 75R6877 JTR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, February 28, 1997, has been designated Taiwan Peace 1-2 Day, and this noteworthy occasion is truly worthy of special 1-3 recognition at this time; and 1-4 WHEREAS, On February 28, 1947, a crowd of 2,000 people 1-5 assembled in Taipei to protest the beating death of a cigarette 1-6 vendor at the hands of police agents; during the demonstration, 1-7 machine-gun fire from a government building swept the crowd, 1-8 killing at least four people, and the resulting popular uprising 1-9 against the military government was the genesis of the democratic 1-10 form of government that Taiwan enjoys today; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Since that time Taiwan has grown and flourished both 1-12 politically and economically, and the country is now a crucial 1-13 element in the stability and prosperity of the Asia Pacific region; 1-14 and 1-15 WHEREAS, Taiwan's commitment to democracy was aptly reflected 1-16 when, in March 1996, the country's first presidential election by 1-17 direct popular vote took place; a capitalist success story, Taiwan 1-18 has assumed a preeminent role in global commerce and is now Texas' 1-19 sixth-largest trading partner; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In recognition of the tragic events of February 28, 1-21 1947, and the democratic movement that sprang from them, the day's 1-22 50th anniversary has been declared Taiwan Peace Day, and while 1-23 this commemoration honors those who gave their lives in the 1-24 struggle against oppression, it is also a day of reconciliation for 2-1 the people of Taiwan; although it is painful to recall the 2-2 injustices of the past, doing so is our best defense against their 2-3 being repeated, and it is in this spirit that we mark this solemn 2-4 occasion; now, therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 1997, as Taiwan Peace Day 2-7 and honor those around the world who have sacrificed themselves to 2-8 the cause of human freedom.