China News Service, Lincang, April 6, Title: Lincang, Yunnan: After more than 40 years, he finally received the portrait of his martyr brother
Author Jia Xiaojun Gao Yalan Liu Yongfei
"It has been more than 40 years, and I finally see my brother again..." Recently, in a courtyard in Laipian Village, Mangka Town, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, 57-year-old Peng Weiqing held the restored martyr portrait of his brother Peng Weijiu. I couldn't hold back the longing in my heart and cried bitterly.
The picture shows Peng Weiqing (left) performing a "cloud sacrifice sweep" for his brother. Photo courtesy of Lincang Border Management Detachment
A few days ago, when the police from the Mangka Border Police Station of the Lincang Border Management Detachment visited the house, Peng Weiqing confided his wish to the police, "Is it possible to find the photos of my deceased brother now?"
It is understood that in early 1979, Peng Weiqing's brother, Peng Weijiu, a young man from Nanla Township, Cangyuan County (now Mangka Town), enlisted in the army and became a soldier of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. But not long after he joined the army, he was ordered to die on a mission at the age of 18.
When the bad news of Peng Weijiu's death came back, the Peng family's parents fell into grief and became ill, which also dealt a great blow to Peng Weiqing. Because his parents were ill and the transportation was very inconvenient at that time, the family was unable to visit Peng Weijiu's grave.
"I also want to be a soldier!" Following in his brother's footsteps became Peng Weiqing's only thought. In November 1985, Peng Weiqing, who turned 18, signed up to join the army and became a soldier of the Yuxi Detachment of the Armed Police Force. In March 1987, Peng Weiqing went to the Hekou County Martyrs Cemetery to pay homage to his brother and burst into tears in front of the tombstone.
After that, Peng Weiqing's parents passed away one after another. Because he had to take care of his family and life, he never visited his brother's grave again.
The picture shows the police visiting Peng Weiqing’s home. Photo courtesy of Lincang Border Management Detachment
"My family was poor at that time, and information technology was limited, so the whole family was unable to save photos of my brother as an adult." Peng Weiqing said that he could only rely on the voice, face, and smile in his memory to miss his brother, which is also a regret in his life.
After learning about this situation, the police from the Mangka Border Police Station of the Lincang Border Management Detachment decided to help Peng Weiqing fulfill this wish. Because Peng Weijiu passed away so long ago, the police station did not have a household registration system at that time, making it difficult to query information.
Subsequently, the police visited two war veterans in the area and contacted comrades from the same company as martyr Peng Weijiu. Through the characteristics described by everyone, the police found professionals who successfully restored a half-length military uniform photo of martyr Peng Weijiu.
The picture shows the restored photo of martyr Peng Weijiu. Photo courtesy of Lincang Border Management Detachment
"It's so similar, this is what Wei Jiu looks like." After multiple identifications and restorations, the photo was finally determined.
On the eve of Qingming Festival this year, the police from the Mangka Border Police Station specially framed the restored photos and sent them to Peng Weiqing. Peng Weiqing was filled with emotion when he looked at the portrait of his brother who was "late" for more than 40 years. He couldn't help but shed tears and kissed the portrait of his brother affectionately. "It has been more than 40 years and I can hardly remember what my brother looked like. Now I finally have his portrait."
Due to heavy farm work and long distances, Peng Weiqing has not been able to visit his brother's grave in Hekou County for many years. After learning about the situation, the police specifically contacted the Hekou Border Management Brigade and jointly launched a "cloud memorial sweep" activity for them. After years of missing him, Peng Weiqing finally found comfort on this Qingming Festival. (over)