Kaohsiung, Taiwan region—In the quiet village of Xiangheli, nestled in Kaohsiung, lives a man known locally as the “Ferryman of Souls.” Liu Dewen, the village head, has spent the past two decades fulfilling the final wishes of elderly military veterans—returning their ashes to their ancestral homes on the Chinese mainland.
It all began in 2003 when an aging veteran approached Liu with a heartfelt request. The veteran, who had spent a lifetime away from his birthplace, yearned to rest alongside his ancestors. He asked Liu to promise that, upon his passing, his ashes would be returned to his hometown on the Chinese mainland. Moved by the plea, Liu agreed, setting him on a path that would define the next 20 years of his life.
Since that day, Liu has assisted in the reunification of some 200 veterans with their homeland. Each journey across the Taiwan Strait is more than a physical passage; it’s a bridge between past and present, a fulfillment of a promise to honor the bonds of family and heritage.
“These veterans gave their lives to service, often separated from their families for decades,” Liu shared. “Returning their ashes is a way to bring them peace and reconnect them with their roots.”
The process is both emotionally and logistically complex. Liu coordinates with families, navigates legal requirements, and often personally accompanies the urns to ensure they reach their final resting places. Along the way, he has formed deep connections with the families, sharing in their stories of love, loss, and remembrance.
Liu’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Community members admire his compassion and commitment to honoring the elder generation. His efforts have also highlighted the enduring cultural ties and personal narratives that continue to link people across the Taiwan Strait.
Through his selfless acts, Liu embodies the spirit of unity and respect for tradition. “It’s not just about returning ashes,” he says. “It’s about healing wounds, honoring legacies, and bringing closure to families separated by time and circumstance.”
As the “Ferryman of Souls,” Liu Dewen continues his mission, one journey at a time, ensuring that the departed find their way home.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
