His mission is to reunite fallen soldiers and families

When he has new clients, he first sifts through his database. Liu has information filed on over 6,000 veterans and has helped many people on the mainland and in Taiwan to reconnect. In recent years, Liu has also made use of the mainland social media platforms to share information on veterans he has uncovered so as to help more of them to be reconnected with their mainland families.

Liu said that each time he completed a trip, it deeply touched his heart and that this is an enduring motivation to remain dedicated to his cause.

In one instance, a 90-year-old man from Shandong province entrusted him to find his long-lost brother, the dying wish of his parents. When Liu appeared with the brother's ashes, the old man fell to his knees and wept uncontrollably.

"It was a heartbreaking scene, and I couldn't help but shed tears," Liu said.

After witnessing such scenes many times, Liu said his determination to continue the work has only grown stronger.

"Through this work, I have many relatives on the mainland. Many families of veterans consider me part of their family, and I truly feel the two sides of the Strait are one family," he said.

For the future, he feels driven by a sense of urgency, as the number of veterans and their descendants dwindles. There are only about 20 surviving veterans in the community where he lives.

This year, Liu has already planned several trips to mainland. On these occasions, he will be accompanied by a few veterans whose remains will return home with him.

zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn