Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou speaks at a meeting. (File photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- Taiwan will open its first memorial for "comfort women", who were coerced into prostitution by Japanese invaders in WWII, said Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou.
The memorial will be unveiled on Retrocession Day, October 25, according to Ma.
"To commemorate war is neither to sing carols, nor smear anyone. It is rather about condemnation of war, reflection on the pain, and promotion of peace," he said.
Ma made the announcement while attending a forum commemorating the 70th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Agression. Scholars were also present at the forum to share opinions from different angles about the war.
Ma said even though the war is over, Taiwan will hold multiple events to acknowledge the immense sacrifice made by "our ancestors" and encourage everyone to truly commemorate the occasion.
Ma also recognized Germany's efforts on war reflection. The German people have thought a great deal to create a word meaning "reflection on the pain, complete reflection, and liberation from the haze."
The war must not be forgotten, even though it is far away from us, because "historical mistakes could be forgiven, but historical lessons should not be forgotten", he added.
