Miao Mingwen turns 80 this year. He has been looking after the graves of 15 warriors since he was 23, even though he never met any of them.  

About 70 years ago, during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Julu County in northern China’s Hebei Province was severely attacked by the Japanese army. Known as the Jubei Battle, the fight is recognized as the war's most horrifying skirmish. 

Japanese soldiers killed 51 Chinese fighters. But only 36 of them were taken back to their hometowns by their families. The rest were buried in the county where they died.

These tombs were not properly protected until 1960 when Miao, a junior member of the Communist Party, voluntarily decided to look after the 15 anonymous warriors’ graves. 

He visits their graves every traditional Chinese festival, sweeping the tombs, removing weeds, and offering yellow chrysanthemums. On Spring Festival and Qingming Festival, Miao brings special food and Chinese white wine.

Miao has been looking for the families of the 15 soldiers for 57 years. He hopes that one day, the bodies will be returned to their hometowns. 

Miao’s grandchildren visit the tombs with him sometimes. He is also working as a part time teacher for several local primary schools, narrating stories of China’s history. He wants the young generation to remember those who have given their lives for their country.