悼念我們的老師──程建人部長

驚聞程建人部長辭世，內心無比震撼與哀痛。雖然我們明白人生自有終章，但要與這樣一位摯愛的師長、朋友與國之棟樑告別，依然是如此難以承受。

猶記七十年代初，程老師初次抵達華府，我有幸在舊金山華埠一間簡陋的地下室餐館為他接風。酒菜雖然簡單，燈光雖然昏暗，卻因為程老師的風采與笑聲，那一夜熠熠生輝。多年後我返抵台北，再次設宴邀請程老師、李偉成老師與同窗舊友同聚。那一夜，他清晰地憶起在舊金山的往事，言語間充滿喜悅與懷念。誰料到，那竟成了我們最後一次相聚。

程老師自英國學成歸來，執教於外交系，講授國際公法。他不僅是學識淵博的學者，更是謙和慈厚的良師，在無數學子心中留下不可磨滅的烙印。其後，他更以滿腔熱忱投身國事，歷任駐美代表及外交部長，將國家的聲音帶上國際舞台。他的一生，充滿智慧、奉獻與榮耀。

如今他驟然辭世，往昔的談笑聲猶在耳畔，卻已成永恆的回憶。我們失去的不僅是一位外交巨擘，更是一位仁厚長者與摯誠的朋友。想到再也無法與他對坐舉杯，內心的悲痛實在難以言喻。

然而，縱使他離開了人世，他的精神依舊長存。他的正直、才華與溫暖，將永遠銘刻在我們心中。唯願他遠離塵世紛擾，在另一個世界安然長眠。我們的懷念，將如同一首不滅的思念與感恩之歌，永遠伴隨著他。

謹以最深切的敬意與哀思。

In Loving Memory Of Our Teacher, Minister C. J. Chen

The news of Minister Chen’s passing has left me in profound sorrow and disbelief. Though we all know that life is finite, it is still unbearably hard to bid farewell to such a cherished teacher, friend, and statesman.

I still remember the early 1970s, when Professor Chen first arrived in Washington, D.C. I had the honor of hosting him at a modest underground restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The dishes were simple, the lights dim, yet the evening shined brightly because of his warmth, charisma, and laughter. Years later, when I returned to Taipei, I once again invited him to dinner, together with Professor Li Wei-cheng and our classmates. That night, he recalled with vivid clarity our gathering in San Francisco, his words filled with joy and nostalgia. I never imagined that would be our final reunion.

After returning from his studies in the United Kingdom, Professor Chen began his career at the Department of Diplomacy, teaching international law. He was not only a brilliant scholar, but also a humble and kind mentor, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students. Later, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the service of his country, rising to become Representative to the United States and, ultimately, Minister of Foreign Affairs. His life was one of wisdom, dedication, and honor.

Now, with his sudden departure, the laughter and conversations of our past meetings have become eternal memories. We have lost not only a pillar of diplomacy, but also a gracious elder and a true friend. The thought that I can no longer sit across from him, raising a glass in profound joy, fills my heart with unspeakable grief.

And yet, even though he has left this world, his spirit endures. His integrity, brilliance, and warmth will forever be etched in our hearts. I pray that his soul may rest in peace, free from all worldly burdens. Our remembrances will accompany him across eternity—like a song with love and gratitude that will never fade.

With deepest respect and sorrow,
Wea H. Lee