Kinmen Honors 'God of War' General Hu Lien with Memorial Concert on 49th Anniversary

Kinmen County hosted a memorial concert to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the passing of General Hu Lien, a figure deeply respected for his military prowess and contributions to the island's development. The event, organized by the Kinmen Distillery Hu Lien Culture and Arts Foundation, aimed to honor the general, known as the 'God of War' on the battlefield and the 'Modern Living Buddha' by the people of Kinmen.

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Hu Lien General's contributions in education, environmental greening, and the Kinmen Distillery laid the foundation for Kinmen's current prosperity. The people of Kinmen call him 'Modern Living Buddha' with the most sincere respect.

Local officials, including Vice County Magistrate Li Wen-liang and Army Kinmen Defense Command Political Warfare Director Major General Wang Shih-peng, attended the ceremony. Li Wen-liang highlighted Hu Lien's foundational role in Kinmen's current prosperity, citing his impact on education, environmental greening, and the establishment of the Kinmen Distillery. Wang Shih-peng emphasized the spirit of unity between military personnel and civilians in protecting the homeland, urging soldiers to emulate Hu Lien's dedication.

Foundation Chairman Chen Lung-an stated that the concert served as a cultural bridge, allowing different generations to understand history and appreciate past contributions through music and performance. Hu Lien, a prominent general during the Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War, was renowned for his strategic brilliance. He served twice as commander of the Kinmen Defense Command, leading the defense during critical battles like the Battle of Guningtou and the 823 Artillery Bombardment, thereby stabilizing the region.

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The military personnel stationed here, along with their families, are the driving force for Kinmen's future development. Officers and soldiers emulate General Hu Lien's spirit, uniting the military and civilians to protect our homeland.

Beyond his military achievements, Hu Lien was instrumental in Kinmen's post-war reconstruction. He initiated road construction, afforestation projects, educational initiatives, and encouraged sorghum cultivation. These efforts significantly improved the island's dire conditions of food and water scarcity, lack of roads, and sparse vegetation, laying a solid foundation for Kinmen's future development and prosperity. The event included performances by the Kinmen Children's Choir and the Kinmen Defense Command's Qingtian Band.

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Holding a memorial concert hopes to use culture and art as a bridge, allowing different generations to understand history and remember our predecessors through music and performance, and to continue passing on the spirit of remembering the source of blessings.