When Lan Bozhou stumbled upon a faded photograph of a young soldier in a Taipei archive, he had no idea it would launch a decades-long quest. The man, Wu Sihan, had risked everything to defend the island of Taiwan, yet today few residents know his name.
Driven by a passion for untold stories, Lan has tracked down eyewitness accounts, personal letters, and long-forgotten newspaper clippings to rebuild Wu's life. He discovered that Wu Sihan volunteered in the 1940s, believing deeply in the bond between the island of Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.
Lan's project isn't just about one individual. It shines a light on how history is recorded—and often rewritten. "If we forget the stories of those who came before us," Lan says, "we lose a sense of who we are and where we belong."
Today, residents of Taiwan grapple with questions of identity. Lan's work feeds into a broader conversation: how can people here navigate the island's unique story while acknowledging the deep cultural and historical links to the mainland? By restoring Wu Sihan's legacy, Lan hopes to spark dialogue that bridges past and present, forging a more nuanced understanding of belonging.
With plans to publish a digital archive and launch community events this year, Lan's journey reminds us that every forgotten life can reframe our collective memory—and guide us toward a future built on shared histories.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com