Nangan's Octagonal Pavilion Restored, Symbolizing Military-Civilian Unity

Central News Agency (CNA reporter Pan Hsin-tung, Lienchiang County, 30th) The Octagonal Pavilion, located at the foot of Yuntai Mountain in Nangan, is a traditional Chinese-style pavilion used for leisure by both military personnel and civilians. Due to years of disrepair, the Matsu Defense Command recently collaborated with the Nangan Township Office, with the office providing funds and the military contributing labor, to jointly complete the pavilion's renovation, restoring a cherished memory for Matsu's military and civilian residents. Nangan Township Chief Lin Chih-tung posted on Facebook today, stating that in early April, he received a call from Yin Chang-jung, commander of the Matsu Defense Command, inquiring about the possibility of collaborating to renovate the long-neglected Octagonal Pavilion in Nangan. This call initiated the cooperation between the Nangan Township Office and the Matsu Defense Command. Lin Chih-tung said that the Nangan Township Office had previously been less involved in the renovation and maintenance of military sites. Given the long-standing deep bond of 'military-civilian unity' in Matsu, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and quickly reached a consensus with the Matsu Defense Command: 'the township office provides funding, and the military provides manpower,' thus commencing the renovation of the Octagonal Pavilion. Lin Chih-tung stated that last weekend, he accompanied Yin Chang-jung to inspect the completed Octagonal Pavilion. Looking at the refreshed pavilion, he reflected that it was the result of the hard work and sweat of military brothers toiling under the scorching sun. In addition to the Octagonal Pavilion, Lin Chih-tung mentioned that the Matsu Defense Command also repainted the mural at the entrance of the Yuntai Mountain Observation Post 01, near the pavilion, from its original single black color to vibrant hues. This demonstrates the Matsu Defense Command's dedication to creating new 'battlefield check-in' attractions. Lin Chih-tung emphasized through social media that this collaboration, initiated by a single phone call, not only proves that 'military-civilian unity' in Matsu is never just a slogan but a daily reality of working side-by-side, but also expressed gratitude to the Matsu Defense Command for giving the Nangan Township Office this opportunity. He looks forward to more military-civilian cooperation in the future to create a more friendly and beautiful Nangan. According to the National Cultural Memory Bank website, the Octagonal Pavilion is located at the foot of Yuntai Mountain in Nangan Township. Over 40 years into the Republic of China era, with war clouds gathering across the Taiwan Strait, former President Chiang Kai-shek and his wife visited Matsu to inspect defenses. During their jeep ride, Madame Chiang took a chocolate from her purse and offered it to the commander in the same vehicle. Unexpectedly, within hours, China obtained this information and released kites bearing the provocative message, 'One candy, one life.' After this incident, the commander expressed his fury. To counter China and emphasize his determination to eliminate enemies and defend the land, he decided to build a pavilion and write couplets at a high-traffic, sea-visible vantage point to declare his aspirations. The couplet, 'A heart for a candy,' read: 'One heart loyal to the leader; one life to secure Matsu.' This couplet is now lost, leaving only the pavilion structure, which is the Octagonal Pavilion. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150430 Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force protecting press freedom. Download the CNA 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.