Grandpa's writing in Kinmen

爺爺在王家祠堂柱子題字

Our cousin Amy went to Kinmen recently and took the above picture. I'm not too sure what the big characters mean, partially because the photo didn't capture the writing in whole and partially due to my limited Chinese knowledge. The small, read from top to down and from right to left:

First vertical line (top-right): Kinmen Defense Command Center
Second vertical line (top-middle): Political Strategy Department
Third vertical line (top-left): Department Head (of the Department) and Vice-Commander-in-Chief (of the Command Center)

Bottom line signature: Army mid-General (in Taiwan, there are three levels of generals: upper, middle, and lower) Wang Ho Pu (i.e. Grandpa)


From what I understand, after the Communist party chased the democratic party to Taiwan, Kinmen became Taiwan's principal defense post. As you can see in the map below, Kinmen island (its literal translation is "golden gate" or "golden door") is located between mainland China and Taiwan, thus making it a crucial stronghold for Taiwan against the Communist party at the time.
From what I remember, Grandpa was the second in command in Kinmen, and was stationed there until the threat was over. I vaguely recall hearing grownups talk about Grandpa's old war stories in Kinmen, but my memories aren't concrete enough for me to retell them... If I hear something in the future, I'll make sure to add them here.

Story from Da-Yi (via Dan)

When my mom met my wife's mom that day, they also got to talking about
the family tree going wayyy back, as in great-grandpa and perhaps
beyond (I wish I was fully bilingual now!). I can ask to her to
recount those details. She also recently told me of a story where
Grandpa in his early military career was ordered to move a big pile of
cash (probably nearly worthless back then) for his unit during this
one battle or attack. He was ruefully kicking around these big
blocks/sacks of money on the ground with his foot and then tossed his
personal business cards all around the spot declaring that if he died
there, at least someone would know who he was! The point was that he
had a real sense of humor, even under those circumstances. It sounds
like he was doing his best to light-heartedly comment either on his
ambition or on his lower status at that time just being the custodian
who has to risk his neck for nearly worthless paper currency.

Grandpa with Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國), Taiwan's president from 1978-1988.

(Thanks to Andrew) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Ching-Kuo

Grandpa and Chiang Kai-shek ( 蔣介石 / 蔣中正 ). Read more about him at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Kai-shek

When I was little, you could see him on Taiwan's 10NT coins and 1000NT bills.

(Thanks Andrew!)

Which one do you think is Grandpa (courtesy of Dan)