For over 20 years, village chief Liu Dewen from Taiwan has made it his life’s mission to return the ashes of veterans buried in Taiwan to their homeland in the Chinese mainland. His journey has been anything but easy, marked by relentless searches, personal sacrifices, and unwavering commitment.
Locating the veterans’ ashes is a daunting task. When Liu couldn’t find them in the veterans’ columbariums, he would visit temples, hoping to uncover clues. If temples offered no leads, he’d venture into burial grounds overgrown with weeds and fraught with unknown dangers. Injuries became a part of his routine, but they never deterred him.
Liu’s dedication has brought closure to countless families separated by history and circumstance. His efforts not only honor the memories of the veterans but also bridge the emotional distances that have long divided families across the Taiwan Strait.
His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the profound human desire for connection and belonging. Through his tireless work, Liu continues to build invisible bridges of compassion and respect between the people of Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
