Fushan Zhaobi - Ready for Battle Introduction
As the Tai-Ma ferry enters the Matsu Fuao Harbor, the four red characters – “Brace for Battle and Await Orders” – immediately come into view, towering majestically on Fuqing Ridge in Nangan. It is currently one of the most renowned symbolic landmarks for entering and exiting Matsu, sharing fame with the “Do Not Forget Our Roots” at the top of Mount Taimu in Kinmen. Below “Brace for Battle and Await Orders” lies the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, with white stairs resembling a white dragon coiling around a massive rock, making it very eye-catching. This Fushan Monolith is located on the ridge southwest of Fuao Village in the “Brace for Battle and Await Orders Memorial Park.” It is a rectangular building with two underground levels and five above ground, with the four characters “Brace for Battle and Await Orders” inscribed on it. This inscription was handwritten by former President Chiang Kai-shek during his inspection of defense in Matsu in July 1958 to encourage the military and civilians there not to forget the aspiration for national reunification, and it was built by enlarging the original carved letters. However, it is said that it took considerable effort to install the large characters “Brace for Battle and Await Orders” on the towering archway, as the characters had to be projected from the mountain base at night before construction could begin. The memorial park once served as an exhibition hall showcasing the everyday lives of the military and civilians in the Matsu area. After being idle for a while, it was planned by local Matsu artist Tsao Kaizhi and has become a space for cultural and artistic performances. The park features a viewing platform for visitors to overlook and enjoy panoramic views of Fuao Harbor, where the sea and sky blend beautifully, offering a unique charm.
