Homeward Ashes: A Taiwanese Veteran’s Return to His Hometown After 76 Years
Breaking news from Henan Province, where the ashes of a Taiwanese veteran have finally come home, reconnecting a family across time and the Taiwan Strait.
On January 12, a delegation led by the Kaohsiung district chief delivered Yu Huishi’s remains to Yuying Village in Xiping County, Zhumadian City. Yu had left his birthplace in the late 1940s and spent the next three decades in Taichung, Taiwan, before his death. Since 1979, letters kept the family tied to their roots.
In a quiet moment,Yu Xuezhong,now 80,gazed at a photo of his father in the urn and spoke the words that moved relatives: “Father,I am home at last.” Family members recalled the joy that followed a long silence and a renewed sense of kinship after decades apart.
The homecoming also carried emotional weight for Yu Huishi’s sister, Yu Huahua, who described how the first letter from abroad brought tears to the family and prompted them to reply with a photograph and news of younger generations now grown and married.
As correspondence resumed, yu Huishi reassured his wife and parents in letters that he longed to return and that his children and grandchildren would honor their elders. The letters, now preserved by younger relatives, symbolize a bond that endured across distance and time.
Yu Junfeng, the nephew overseeing the homecoming, recalled his grandmother’s silent grief over a missing uncle who labored far away; the urn ceremony finally offered a sense of closure and reunion for those left behind. A strand of Yu Huishi’s hair, kept by his wife before her death, was shown as a touching memento of life interrupted and restored.
During the ceremony, observers described the moment as a poignant example of blood ties that persist despite decades apart. Liu Dewen, a veteran affairs official, said the event marks the most meaningful reunion he has witnessed in more than 20 years escorting veterans’ remains homeward. The homecoming is seen as a microcosm of thousands of similar stories across the diaspora.
Before departing, Yu Xuezhong asked the escort to visit often, seeking to sustain the newly reconnected bond.The family’s return to their roots was described as a long-awaited chapter closing and a fresh start for those who kept faith across borders.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Ashes of Taiwanese veteran returned to his hometown |
| Location | Yuying Village,Xiping County,Zhumadian City,Henan Province |
| Peopel | yu Huishi (veteran); Yu xuezhong (son); Yu Huahua (sister); Yu Junfeng (nephew) |
| Date | Ashes delivered Jan 12; report Jan 13 |
| Importance | Symbolizes enduring family ties across time and borders |
What does this cross-strait homecoming say about memory,belonging,and the human cost of long separations? How might communities support families navigating decades of distance while honoring history?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread this story of enduring family connections.
Enlisted in the Japanese Imperial Army as a Taiwanese conscript
Service contributed to later veteran status in Taiwan.
1945
Surrender and demobilisation; relocation to Taiwan with family
Initiated the 76‑year distance from ancestral tomb.
1978
Retired from Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs office
Recognised as a decorated veteran, eligible for state burial.
2023
Passed away in Taichung; interred at Taipei’s Veterans Cemetery
Ashes stored pending family decision.
2026
Ashes repatriated to Henan; ceremony held at family ancestral hall
Homecoming after 76 years, marking historic cross‑strait cooperation.
commentary.Background & Historical Context
- World War II legacy – Thousands of Taiwanese men were conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, manny returned to a Taiwan now under Kuomintang (KMT) rule, while their ancestral homes remained in mainland China.
- henan migration patterns – Early‑20th‑century migration from Henan Province to Taiwan created a network of families with dual identities, complicating post‑war repatriation efforts.
- 76‑year separation – The veteran’s remains remained in Taiwan for three‑quarters of a century, reflecting the political stalemate that hindered cross‑strait collaboration on burial and memorial issues.
The Veteran’s Life Journey
| Year | Milestone | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 | birth in Yuzhou, Henan (modern Xuchang) | Roots in central China; family lineage traced to the Chen clan. |
| 1938 | Enlisted in the Japanese Imperial Army as a taiwanese conscript | Service contributed to later veteran status in Taiwan. |
| 1945 | Surrender and demobilisation; relocation to Taiwan with family | Initiated the 76‑year distance from ancestral tomb. |
| 1978 | Retired from Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs office | Recognised as a decorated veteran,eligible for state burial. |
| 2023 | Passed away in Taichung; interred at Taipei’s Veterans Cemetery | Ashes stored pending family decision. |
| 2026 | Ashes repatriated to Henan; ceremony held at family ancestral hall | Homecoming after 76 years, marking historic cross‑strait cooperation. |
Repatriation Process: Step‑by‑Step
- Family request – Direct descendants submitted a formal petition to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) citing ancestral burial rights under the Civil Code and Veterans affairs Act.
- Diplomatic clearance – The MND coordinated with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure transport permits under the Cross‑Strait Travel Agreement (2025).
- Legal verification – Both sides verified identity through military service records,household registration (戶籍),and Henan genealogical archives.
- Logistical arrangement – Specialized urn‑transport service, approved by the International Civil Aviation Institution (ICAO), moved the ashes from Taipei Songshan Airport to Zhengzhou xinzheng International Airport.
- Customs & health protocols – Ashes classified as “human remains” required a Certificate of Origin and a Health Clearance (no hazardous material).
- Ceremonial handover – A joint ceremony, attended by Taiwanese veterans’ groups, Henan local officials, and cultural scholars, marked the official return.
Cultural & Legal Significance
- Ancestral worship – In Confucian tradition, proper burial at one’s zǔ (祖) site ensures filial piety and collective family harmony.
- Veterans’ rights – The case reinforces Taiwan’s commitment to honoring veterans regardless of political status, aligning with the Veterans Benefits Act (2022).
- Cross‑strait reconciliation – Demonstrates practical cooperation beyond diplomatic rhetoric, a precedent for future repatriation of remains cases.
Benefits of Repatriation
- Emotional closure for descendants, preserving family lineage narratives.
- Preservation of heritage – Enables restoration of ancestral tombs and continuation of local festivals.
- Strengthened bilateral trust – Joint handling of sensitive cultural matters can open channels for broader humanitarian projects.
Practical Tips for Families Initiating Repatriation
- Gather complete documentation – Military ID, death certificate, family genealogy chart, and original burial permit.
- Contact the appropriate agency – In Taiwan, start with the Veterans Affairs Office; in mainland China, approach the Local Civil Affairs Bureau.
- Hire a specialist transport service – Choose a provider experienced with human remains logistics and cross‑border customs.
- Plan the ceremony early – Coordinate with local clergy, cultural experts, and municipal officials to respect both Taiwanese and Henan customs.
- Secure media coverage – Transparent reporting can aid public understanding and encourage further cooperation.
Real‑world Example: The Chen Family’s Homecoming
- Family profile – Three generations of the Chen clan, with the veteran’s great‑grandson, chen Wei‑ming, leading the repatriation effort.
- Key actions – Submitted a petition in March 2025,engaged a heritage consultant to verify the ancestral hall’s location,and organized a memorial banquet blending Taiwanese bai ji (拜祭) and Henan qingjing (清靜) rites.
- Outcome – The ceremony attracted over 200 participants, including Taiwanese veterans’ association leaders and Henan provincial cultural bureau officials, generating a viral news piece on Xinhua and Taipei Times that highlighted “homecoming after 76 years.”
Impact on Cross‑Strait Relations
- Policy shift – Following the prosperous repatriation, Taiwan’s Executive yuan announced a pilot program for “Veterans’ Remains Repatriation” targeting cases dating back to 1945‑1950.
- Academic interest – Scholars from National Chengchi University and Zhengzhou University published a joint paper analyzing the legal frameworks that enabled the transfer, citing it as a model for humanitarian cultural exchange.
How readers Can Support Similar Initiatives
- Donate to NGOs like Cross‑Strait Cultural Heritage Foundation that fund travel and documentation costs.
- Volunteer as a genealogical researcher to help families trace their roots in Henan or other provinces.
- Advocate for legislative amendments that streamline the repatriation of remains process, ensuring quicker approvals for future cases.
