Preserving the Wall of CKS Memorial Hall
After receiving reports and comments from residents, academia, and researchers to preserve the Wall surrounding Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall, the Department of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) has activated the legal process as stated in the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act and placed the entire site for evaluation. This action is in response to the central government’s declaration of its intention to dismantle the Wall of CKS Memorial Hall. The main body of CKS Memorial Hall and its surrounding facilities are testimonies to Taiwan’s post war architecture style. Its grand style design reflects the appearance of traditional Chinese palaces. Other buildings of this style that have been declared “historical sites,” include the Zhongshan Building on Yangmingshan and the Nanhai Cultural District. DOCA will form a project committee to evaluate the historical importance and cultural value of CKS Memorial Hall and its surrounding structures, following the stipulation of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act. Once public hearings are held, the results will be forwarded to the city’s Cultural Heritage Evaluation Committee for the final decision. By activating the evaluation process based on Article 12 of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, CKS Memorial Hall is now designated as a temporary historical site. Thus, the management office of the complex is responsible for maintenance and preservation during this period. During this time, management must prevent the removal or dismantling of the structure. The evaluation period can take up to six month, and may be extended once. If central government is involved in dismantling or destroying any section of CKS Memorial Hall during the evaluation period, those involved in the defacing may face a sentence up to five years and fines up to NT$ 1 million according to Article 94 of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act. Based on Article 100 of the same Act, civil servants who violate this law will face more severe penalties.