On October 23, representatives from the “Preparatory Committee for the 79th Anniversary of Taiwan’s Restoration” gathered at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei to advocate for the reinstatement of Taiwan’s Restoration Day as a public holiday.

The historical significance of this day dates back to October 25, 1945, when the formal surrender ceremony for Taiwan took place at the Taipei Public Assembly Hall, known today as the Chungshan Hall. The following year, October 25 was officially designated as “Taiwan Restoration Day,” with a public holiday established. However, in December 2000, the Democratic Progressive Party government abolished this holiday.

On the same day, a public hearing on the “Draft Regulations for the Implementation of Commemorative Days and Holidays” was held by a relevant committee within the Legislative Yuan. Outside the legislature, the committee showcased various images highlighting anti-colonial sentiments and the theme of Taiwan’s restoration, aiming to draw attention to their cause.

Wang Wu-Liang, Secretary-General of the Labor Party, noted that the discussion around the draft regulations must consider the significance of public holidays from a comprehensive historical and social perspective. He emphasized that restoring Taiwan Restoration Day as a statutory holiday could not only reduce the actual working hours for laborers but also serve as a reminder of the legal and historical realities of both sides of the Taiwan Strait amid current tensions.

Hsu Meng-Hsiang, Executive Director of the Taiwan People’s Cultural Workshop, stated that the meddling of “Taiwan independence” politicians has been a driving force behind the current crisis across the Strait. He argued that Taiwan society needs to mend its cultural fabric and restore a sense of national identity and spirit.

Zhang Xiao-Lin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Taiwan Political Victims Mutual Aid Association, further called for the reinstatement of Taiwan Restoration Day as a public holiday, stressing the importance of honoring patriotic ancestors such as Li You-Bang and Lin Zheng-Heng, who bravely contributed to the anti-Japanese war efforts on the mainland. He also urged the authorities to organize public commemorative events so that the populace remains mindful of this vital chapter in history.