For over two decades, Liu Dewen, chief of Xiangheli Village in Kaohsiung on the island of Taiwan, has quietly carried out a heartfelt mission: reuniting the ashes of veterans with their families across the Taiwan Strait. Known as the ‘Ferryman of Souls’, Liu has helped return over 200 veterans’ remains to their hometowns on the Chinese mainland since 2003—mending lost chapters of history separated by decades. 🕊️
In 2023, his efforts brought closure to the family of Tang Yiqi, a veteran who left Sichuan Province over 70 years ago. After painstaking research and collaboration, Liu ensured Tang’s ashes were finally laid to rest in his birthplace. ‘These veterans deserved peace in the soil they called home’, Liu shared, reflecting on his work that blends cultural reverence with cross-strait goodwill.
Stories like Tang’s highlight the human connections bridging the strait, resonating deeply with descendants seeking ancestral roots. For young historians and diaspora communities, Liu’s dedication offers a poignant reminder of shared heritage—one ash return at a time. 📜❤️
