An ROC army unit on Taiwan’s outlying Matsu Islands discovered a mural left by U.S. troops 53 years ago, a reminder of long-standing bilateral military cooperation and the value of peace, according to the Military News Agency March 9.
The mural, featuring a giant map of the U.S. with cowboys in the Midwest and grass-skirted dancing girls of Hawaii, was found under layers of old paint that was being scraped off during base renovation. The soldiers decided to preserve it as a memorial to cooperation between the two nations’ militaries, and they were inspired to paint their own murals at the base to remind them of home on Taiwan proper.
“When I see this map, I can see how our American comrades felt so strongly of home, and serving on the outlying islands, I’ve learned to appreciate more my time at home with my family,” Pvt. He Hao said.
The mural was found in the Zhongshan Hall at the base in Nangan Township. The camp, originally built to house a unit of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group, features rooms fitted with American-style fireplaces. It was recently taken over by an ROC army logistics unit in charge of fuel supplies, which decided to refurbish it and make it more homely for new recruits.
New pictures painted by the soldiers include Keelung Port, the nearest place of embarkation on Taiwan; Matsu’s Tunnel 88; ships, planes and a giant effigy of the goddess Mazu.
In the process of fixing up the grounds to make the surroundings more park-like, the ROC soldiers found other poignant reminders of the former U.S. presence, including a 1958 stone plaque commemorating a colonel’s death in action.
“This plaque reminds us of the value of peace,” said Pvt. Shen Yu-rong. “Had it not been for war, this man would not have died overseas. You can imagine how bad his family would have felt at hearing the news. This really makes us appreciate the sacrifices former generations have made to preserve peace and inspires us to do our utmost to protect our country.” (SDH)
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