Department of Civil Affairs

A Childhood Bond That Stood the Test of Time

1

Songshan District

Ko-Shun Chu (98)

Shou-Chi Li (97)

76

Mr. Chu and Ms. Li were childhood sweethearts who grew up playing together in the neighborhood park. Life separated them for many years—Ms. Li’s family moved away, and Mr. Chu later joined the Youth Army. But fate brought them back together, and the love they rekindled became even more precious. Mr. Chu credits his wife’s frugality and quiet strength for their family’s stability. He gives heartfelt thanks to God for such a wise and loving partner, and expresses his gratitude to Zhaoru Nursing Center and social workers who have supported them in later years.

A Lifetime Bond Forged in Jinguashi

3

Wenshan District

A-Tzu Lin (93)

Hsiu-Lien Liu (92)

70

Mr. Lin and Ms. Liu met while working as accountants at the Taiwan Metal Mining Corporation in Jinguashi. They married at the age of 21 and went on to raise three children in a warm and loving household. While Mr. Lin was stationed in Kinmen during his military service, his daughter was born. He stayed emotionally connected through handwritten letters on newspaper, sending blessings and love across the sea—moments that deeply strengthened their bond. Over a decade ago, the couple chose to move into a care center where they made new friends and became active members of the community, embracing a vibrant and fulfilling chapter in their sunset years.

Love Amid the Chaos of War

6

Datong District

Jun-Hsing Pan (93)

Miao-Mei Liang (88)

64

Their love story began in the 1930s amid the chaos of war. Mr. Pan and Ms. Liang met as young adults but were soon separated when conflict forced them to relocate to Hong Kong. Later, Mr. Pan came to Taiwan to pursue his studies at a teacher’s college. Despite having many admirers, Ms. Liang remained true to him. When Mr. Pan proposed, she didn’t hesitate—leaving everything behind to join him in a rural village where dirt roads were the norm. Together, they raised five wonderful children. Though they often exchange playful banter and lovingly tease each other, their deep affection has never waned. Their enduring bond is a shining example of love and devotion for generations to follow.

A Love That Bridged Cultural Divides

7

Da’an District

Tao Tang (96)

Yu-Ying Lin (85)

63

Mr. Tang came to Taiwan from his hometown in Anhui in 1949 and dedicated his life to military service. Ms. Lin, on the other hand, was born and raised in Jisui, Zhonghe Township (today’s Zhonghe District, New Taipei City). The couple met in 1959, at a time when marriages between mainlanders and native Taiwanese were still uncommon and often met with societal resistance. Yet, their bond was strong and unwavering—they overcame cultural and social barriers and entered into marriage in 1962. Their children fondly recall that in all the years they lived together, their parents never had a major argument or physical conflict. Now, more than sixty years later, their deep bond and mutual respect continue to serve as a beautiful example of marital harmony. Their love story not only reflects the evolving landscape of Taiwanese society but also stands as a powerful testament to love, resilience, and acceptance across cultural lines.

A Theater Romance Spanning 67 Years

12

Zhongzheng District

Po-Ching Lin (88)

Chin-Huan Lin Ho (89)

67

Nearly seven decades ago, a passionate young man from Fuzhou and a sweet girl from Tainan met for the first time at the Baogong Theater on Jinshan South Road in Taipei—an arranged meeting through a matchmaker. Shyness and language barriers kept them silent that day, but their next meeting the following year became their wedding day. To today’s younger generation, such a whirlwind path to marriage might seem almost mythical. In the decade that followed, they raised five children under challenging circumstances. Their marriage wasn’t built on grand philosophical ideals or poetic declarations, but on quiet support, mutual resilience, and unwavering companionship. Growing old side by side, they have shown the truest form of what marriage can be.

A Centenarian Celebrates a Golden Love

21

Songshan District

Cho Sun (100)

Tsai-Yun Sun Chen (88)

63

Mr. Sun and Ms. Chen met as colleagues at a military textile factory in Miaoli. They were married in 1962, with the factory director officiating their wedding. After their children were born, Mr. Sun later joined a toy company that manufactured Barbie dolls, where he worked until his retirement to help improve the family’s living conditions.

For over 40 years, the couple has enjoyed American square dancing, even participating in international square dance events in both Japan and the U.S. Ms. Chen also pursued folk dancing, later founded a Yuan Ji dance club, and became an active volunteer with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation. Now 100 years old, Mr. Sun remains sharp and active—he hears and sees clearly, walks steadily, shops independently, and enjoys leisure activities such as outings and playing family mahjong to stay mentally agile. Their 60 years of marriage are not only a testament to enduring love but also a vivid portrait of a close-knit, joyful family life built on mutual care and lasting companionship.

A Bicycle Ride That Led to a Lifetime of Love

22

Xinyi District

Lung-Hsiung Wang (88)

Kuei-Ying Chang (79)

62

Back in 1963, when matchmaking was still the norm, a group of spirited young men from Shulin Township in Banqiao organized a modern twist on romance—a bicycle outing with young women working at a local textile factory. Each man paired with a woman, pedaling together on a day-long ride from New Taipei’s Shulin District all the way to Hsinchu. Among them was a kind-hearted 26-year-old man who rode with a shy 17-year-old girl. That chance encounter sparked a connection that blossomed into a love lasting over six decades.

Throughout their 62 years of marriage, they have weathered life’s joys and challenges hand in hand. Every morning, Mr. Wang rises early to cook a warm pot of sweet potato porridge for Ms. Chang. Once, when she was hospitalized, Mr. Wang—despite his limited mobility—carefully packed the porridge into a lunchbox and took the bus to deliver it to her. When she opened it, the porridge was still steaming. No matter how long or difficult the road ahead may be, they remain each other’s most steadfast companion.

A Courageous Love Behind a Fighter Pilot’s Wings

30

Neihu District

Te-Jun Liu (84)

Ling-Ling Sung (82)

60

Their story began with sincerity and simplicity. Ms. Sung worked at the Hsinchu Air Force Base, where Mr. Liu was serving as an F-86D all-weather tactical fighter pilot. Introduced by an older comrade, the two soon found their paths leading to marriage. At the time, meeting a fighter pilot was the dream of many young women. But becoming a pilot’s wife required far more than admiration—it demanded immense courage and unwavering resolve. The life of a pilot was fragile, with every mission carrying the risk of never returning home. After their marriage, Ms. Sung made a bold and selfless choice: she resigned from her job to devote herself fully to their home and family. Her unwavering support allowed Mr. Liu to serve the country without distraction, soaring confidently through the skies.

A Marriage That Blossomed from Tradition into True Love

31

Da’an District

Chih-Kung Chang (94)

Chieh-Hua Chou (83)

60

The marriage between Mr. Chang and Ms. Chou was both arranged by their families and nurtured through mutual affection. Their fathers, once elementary school classmates in Fengqiu County, Henan Province, were unexpectedly reunited in Taipei after the mainland fell to communist control. From then on, the two families became close once again. At the time, Mr. Chang was pursuing a master’s degree in the United States, while Ms. Chou was a university student in Taipei. Though both families were eager to see them matched, they respected their children’s wishes and encouraged them to get to know each other through letters. Over a year of heartfelt correspondence allowed their bond to grow. After Mr. Chang completed his studies abroad and Ms. Chou graduated, they married in 1965. Reflecting on their 60 years of marriage, Ms. Chou quoted the Qing dynasty statesman Li Hung-chang: “A Western marriage is like placing a hot pot on a cold stove, while a Chinese marriage is like placing a cold pot on a hot stove.” Their story began with family ties but deepened through mutual understanding, support, and commitment—ultimately blossoming into a lifelong partnership.

Devoted Partners in Community and Service

65

Nangang District

Chao-Hsien Hsieh (83)

Pao-Chu Hsieh Peng (82)

56

Mr. Hsieh and Ms. Peng moved from Miaoli to Taipei in pursuit of a better life. In his early years, Mr. Hsieh worked at China Shipbuilding Corporation before becoming an instructor at the Ministry of Labor’s Northern Vocational Training Center, where he served until retirement. After retiring, Mr. Hsieh joined the volunteer service community and remained active in giving back to society. In 2024, he was honored with the Songhe Award  for Outstanding Senior Volunteers by the Taipei City Government, a testament to his continued dedication and spirit of service well beyond retirement.

Ms. Peng has also been deeply committed to public service, serving as the neighborhood chief of Zhongyan Village for over 20 years. Married for 56 years, the couple has weathered life’s ups and downs together, building a life from humble beginnings to a flourishing family full of children and grandchildren. They now look back with gratitude—having endured both hardship and joy, and having walked every step side by side with love, respect, and unwavering companionship.