Military Guard
In Matsu, there are many soldiers in green on the street, and they live together with residents. As cheek by jowl, soldiers and residents intertwine closely. People can see plenty of military slogans everywhere, such as "live or die together" and "soldiers and residents have to help each other". Relying on these soldiers, people stay alert at any time to protect Matsu from any threaten.
"光復大陸" means "Recovering the mainland"
"軍民同心" means "The army and residents in one hear and one mind"
Statue of Chiang Kai-Shek, staring at Fuzhou.
Shelters built by the army are everywhere.
East China Sea Force
Matsu area went into military control period about 30 years since 1949. After the ROC government retreated to Taiwan, Juguang became the forefront in East China Sea. A guerrilla unit which belongs to National Security Bureau of Dai Li (戴笠) system was based here, and it was good at surprise attack and penetrated into the enemy, Battle of Nanri Island (南日島戰役) in 1952 for example, Taiwan Armed Force swept. These gained Matsu lots of military atmosphere.
Juguang Defense Brigade
In 1955, Baiquan Defense Brigade was established to replace the East China Sea Force. Baiquan Defense Brigade changed its title as Baiquan Military Region in 1965, than it became Juguang Military Region in 1971. In 1984, it turned into Juguang Command. The ROC government reduced army arrangement in 2006, and Juguang Command was downsized into Juguang Defense Brigade in the same year.
The badge of Juguang Defense Brigade
Juguang Command, 1984-1999
194th Infantry Brigade, 1999-2006
The badge of Juguang Defense Brigade
Military Slogans
The ROC government lifted material law in 1987, but Matsu and Kinmen were still the sensitive military forefront. Until 1992, the government lifted military rule over these two islands; however, the military atmosphere was still strong among the living environment.
Military slogans represent strong living and fighting will of residents and soldiers, though the island is small and remote. Due to the cooperation of the soldiers and residents, several encouraged slogans turn up, such as "No one is alone even tough being on the isolated island, one may be poor but never ceases to be ambitious." People can also see those slogans which been born in that tense time on old houses, like "live or die together", "military command is absolutely without a doubt", "soldiers and residents have to help each other" and "fight for the final victory."
"Be Alert, even in the Night" is a slogan often used near Matsu's
harbors.
Monument on the intersection of the roads to Tiawo, Caipuao,
military hospital and shooting range. It says "Fight Together,
Remember the Story of Ju".
"Live or Die Together" slogan next to Caipuao Reservoir.
Chiang Kai-Shek statue with "Fight for Getting the Mainland Back"
slogan.
Military Stronghold
People can see blockhouses once get off Qingfan harbor. Abandoned cantonments, outposts, blockhouses and bomb shelters are at all places, and these make people feel the tense atmosphere during war. Since the ROC government lifted military rule over in 1992, tourists were finally allowed to visit different kinds of military heritages which Lienchiang County Government and Tourism Bureau are in charge of.
8°C Caipuao by Bing-Hong. He drawn this picture in a cold windy day.
I Love Caipuao by Sheng-Jin. Caipuao was the first harbor in Xiju, however it only has a military base on it today.
Sheng-Jin is drawing how much he loves Caipuao.
Different stories told by different painters.
Resource : Yamamoto Legion