悼念我们的老师──程建人部长

惊闻程建人部长辞世，内心无比震撼与哀痛。虽然我们明白人生自有终章，但要与这样一位挚爱的师长、朋友与国之栋樑告别，依然是如此难以承受。

犹记七十年代初，程老师初次抵达华府，我有幸在旧金山华埠一间简陋的地下室餐馆為他接风。酒菜虽然简单，灯光虽然昏暗，却因為程老师的风采与笑声，那一夜熠熠生辉。多年后我返抵台北，再次设宴邀请程老师、李伟成老师与同窗旧友同聚。那一夜，他清晰地忆起在旧金山的往事，言语间充满喜悦与怀念。谁料到，那竟成了我们最后一次相聚。

程老师自英国学成归来，执教於外交系，讲授国际公法。他不仅是学识渊博的学者，更是谦和慈厚的良师，在无数学子心中留下不可磨灭的烙印。其后，他更以满腔热忱投身国事，歷任驻美代表及外交部长，将国家的声音带上国际舞台。他的一生，充满智慧、奉献与荣耀。

如今他骤然辞世，往昔的谈笑声犹在耳畔，却已成永恆的回忆。我们失去的不仅是一位外交巨擘，更是一位仁厚长者与挚诚的朋友。想到再也无法与他对坐举杯，内心的悲痛实在难以言喻。

然而，纵使他离开了人世，他的精神依旧长存。他的正直、才华与温暖，将永远铭刻在我们心中。唯愿他远离尘世纷扰，在另一个世界安然长眠。我们的怀念，将如同一首不灭的思念与感恩之歌，永远伴随着他。

谨以最深切的敬意与哀思。

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