Kinmen National Park Headquarters (the HQ) under the Ministry of the Interior's National Park Service held the "Reopening Ceremony of the August 23 Artillery Battle Museum" today (the 11th). After a year-long renovation, the museum now reopens to the public with a completely new look. HQ Deputy Director Huang Tse-juan stated that the updated museum not only features an immersive audiovisual experience in the latest "Sky Theater", but it also incorporates diverse perspectives from frontline soldiers, residents, widows, and journalists, which provides a comprehensive portrayal of the collective memory behind the battle, enriching the historical and cultural significance of the 823 Artillery Bombardment.

The ceremony welcomed many distinguished guests, including:

Wu Zeng-yun, Executive Director of the Kinmen-Matsu Joint Services Center of the Executive Yuan, Chen Shi-bao, Secretary-General of Kinmen County Government, Liu Hsin-yi, Director of the Kinmen Veterans Service Office, Legislator Wang Kuo-dai of Kinmen County Council, Chen Wen-gu, Mayor of Jinhu Township, Cai Nai-jing, Chairman of the Jinhu Township Citizens' Assembly, He Gui-chuan, Deputy Director of Kinmen County Tourism Department, Chen Long'an, Chairman of the Hu Lian Cultural and Arts Foundation, Lieutenant General Huang Yi-bing, President of the ROC August 23 Battle Veterans Association, Lian Cheng-zhen, former naval corporal who served on the Lo Yang frigate during the battle, Lin Shi-liang, army private first class from the 2nd Company, 606 Battalion, Chen Ching, private first class from the 10th Division Communications Unit, Professor Wang Qiong-lin, author of "Spring Boudoir Dreams — The Women Left Behind". All gathered to witness the museum's new chapter in a ceremony that was both moving and dignified.

Deputy Director Huang emphasized that Kinmen National Park has long been committed to preserving, maintaining, and revitalizing Kinmen's cultural landscape of historical significance. This latest museum update integrates multiple narrative perspectives and modern technological displays, enriching the visitor experience while giving the August 23 Artillery Battle Museum a renewed sense of historical and cultural relevance — making history not only remembered, but understood and felt.

The HQ explained that the museum was initially established by the military in 1988 and has been operated by the park authority since 2001. It showcases the events of the battle and aspects of wartime life, preserving and passing down Kinmen's battlefield heritage. In response to modern visitor expectations, the park began a full-scale renovation in June 2024. This included constructing the Sky Theater using the dome structure of the audiovisual room, recreating the intense atmosphere of artillery fire and the resilience of soldiers and civilians through dynamic visuals and immersive environments.

To coincide with the reopening, a historical memory sharing session titled "After August 23: The People Who Were Left Behind" was held at the Zhongshanlin Visitor Center's main auditorium. Professor Wang Qiong-ling shared stories from her book, "Spring Boudoir Dreams — The Women Left Behind," focusing on the memories of Taiwanese conscripted soldiers and the widows of fallen troops. Her heartfelt and moving words offered a powerful emotional connection with the audience, allowing the memories of the battlefield to live on through words and emotion.