Doctor Attends Memorial for 37th Anniversary of Activist Chan I-hua's Self-Immolation, Tearfully Recalls Past
On the 37th anniversary of democracy activist Chan I-hua's self-immolation during the funeral of Cheng Nan-jung, the Presbyterian Church and other groups held a memorial service on the 19th at Zhuzaki Waterfront Park in Chiayi County. Dr. Chen Yung-hsing, who fought for Taiwan's democracy alongside Cheng, choked up as he said he has struggled to face their deaths for 37 years. The event, attended by hundreds from across Taiwan, also honored other democracy pioneers. Speakers including Chen, Linda Gail Arrigo, and Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang reflected on Taiwan's sovereignty and the unfinished goal of "nation-building," vowing to defend its democratic way of life.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 21:26
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(CNA, Chiayi County, May 19) A memorial service was held today at Zhuzaki Waterfront Park by the Presbyterian Church and other groups for democracy fighter Chan I-hua, who self-immolated 37 years ago during the funeral procession of Cheng Nan-jung. Dr. Chen Yung-hsing, a physician who worked alongside Cheng Nan-jung for Taiwan's democracy, choked up as he said that for 37 years, he has found it difficult to face the deaths of these two men.
Hundreds of people from across Taiwan gathered this afternoon in front of Chan I-hua's bronze statue in Zhuzaki Park. Besides commemorating Chan I-hua, they also paid tribute to past pioneers who fought for Taiwan's democracy, including Huang Chao-kai, Tai Chen-yao, Chan San-yuan, Lin Shu-chih, and Chen Wan-chen. In addition to Chen Yung-hsing, attendees included Linda Gail Arrigo, the American ex-wife of former DPP chairman Shih Ming-teh, former legislator Hsu Jung-shu, DPP legislator Tsai Yi-yu, and Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang.
In his address, Chen Yung-hsing said that he had organized Cheng Nan-jung's funeral procession and had avoided attending memorial events for 37 years, as he has always struggled to face the deaths of Cheng Nan-jung and Chan I-hua. He tearfully questioned what he had been doing with his extra 37 years of life, and whether he had fought harder for Taiwan and contributed more to its future.
Chen said that many friends have passed away, and his own time is approaching. He hopes that next year's event will see 1,000, 2,000, or even 3,000 attendees. He also told the audience, "It is true that Taiwan is independent, but it has not yet become a nation."
Linda Gail Arrigo spoke in a mix of Taiwanese and Mandarin, saying that Taiwanese was difficult to learn, but she picked some up after spending time with many democracy pioneers. She said that since the Kaohsiung Incident era, everyone has hoped for an independent nation, but the goal has not yet been achieved and relies on the next generation to continue the effort.
Weng Chang-liang stated that Taiwan's status as a sovereign, independent nation with a lifestyle of freedom, democracy, and human rights is the result of the hard work of its predecessors and cannot be taken away by anyone. He urged the public to stand firm and jointly defend this way of life. However, he noted that different voices opposing this path still exist in Taiwanese society, posing a threat to Taiwan's survival.
Weng believes that the annual gathering of people here is not just to remember Chan I-hua and other martyrs, but also to commemorate their deep love and dedication to Taiwan, which holds special significance. (Editor: Hsieh Ya-chu) 1150519
Hundreds of people from across Taiwan gathered this afternoon in front of Chan I-hua's bronze statue in Zhuzaki Park. Besides commemorating Chan I-hua, they also paid tribute to past pioneers who fought for Taiwan's democracy, including Huang Chao-kai, Tai Chen-yao, Chan San-yuan, Lin Shu-chih, and Chen Wan-chen. In addition to Chen Yung-hsing, attendees included Linda Gail Arrigo, the American ex-wife of former DPP chairman Shih Ming-teh, former legislator Hsu Jung-shu, DPP legislator Tsai Yi-yu, and Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang.
In his address, Chen Yung-hsing said that he had organized Cheng Nan-jung's funeral procession and had avoided attending memorial events for 37 years, as he has always struggled to face the deaths of Cheng Nan-jung and Chan I-hua. He tearfully questioned what he had been doing with his extra 37 years of life, and whether he had fought harder for Taiwan and contributed more to its future.
Chen said that many friends have passed away, and his own time is approaching. He hopes that next year's event will see 1,000, 2,000, or even 3,000 attendees. He also told the audience, "It is true that Taiwan is independent, but it has not yet become a nation."
Linda Gail Arrigo spoke in a mix of Taiwanese and Mandarin, saying that Taiwanese was difficult to learn, but she picked some up after spending time with many democracy pioneers. She said that since the Kaohsiung Incident era, everyone has hoped for an independent nation, but the goal has not yet been achieved and relies on the next generation to continue the effort.
Weng Chang-liang stated that Taiwan's status as a sovereign, independent nation with a lifestyle of freedom, democracy, and human rights is the result of the hard work of its predecessors and cannot be taken away by anyone. He urged the public to stand firm and jointly defend this way of life. However, he noted that different voices opposing this path still exist in Taiwanese society, posing a threat to Taiwan's survival.
Weng believes that the annual gathering of people here is not just to remember Chan I-hua and other martyrs, but also to commemorate their deep love and dedication to Taiwan, which holds special significance. (Editor: Hsieh Ya-chu) 1150519