My 58 Uncles (Uncover a WWII Mystery)

Hi, I'm Helen Raleigh, and I invite you to join me in helping Director Min Zhou to produce "My 58 Uncles," a documentary that uncovers a WWII mystery.

The Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, TX, is one of the oldest national cemeteries in the U.S. Established in 1844, Fort Bliss has become the final resting place for generations of American soldiers. When visiting Fort Bliss, it is hard not to be deeply touched by the majestic sight of thousands of white marble headstones with the Franklin Mountains in the background. In a quiet corner of the cemetery, 52 headstones bear the names of Republic of China (ROC) Air Force cadets, and the dates indicate they all perished during WWII. For many decades, this corner of the cemetery has remained serene, with hardly any visitors.

Why did these ROC Air Force cadets come to the United States in WWII? How did they die? Why was Fort Bliss chosen as their final resting place? Who made that decision? After all, then and now, El Paso, TX, hasn't been a top destination for Chinese Americans. Were these ROC cadets buried with military honor like other American soldiers? Most importantly, did these Chinese cadet's families know?

This documentary, "My 58 Uncles," seeks to answer these questions and uncover a long-forgotten mystery from WWII. Moreover, it is a film about love, not romantic love, but one's love for family, homeland, and freedom. This kind of love motivated these young cadets to pay the ultimate price so we can enjoy peace and prosperity today. It is the kind of love that inspires us never to forget their sacrifices and are determined to help find their families.

Min is a well-known journalist and independent filmmaker in San Francisco Bay Area. Min focuses on telling Chinese American immigrants' stories and bringing long-forgotten history to life. Min's most notable documentary films include "Our Story of War and Remembrance: Chinese American WWII Veterans of the China-Burma-India Theatre," "Going Home," and many other short documentaries as well as a series of TV programs. Her films have won numerous awards. Min is also the founder of the Chinese Americans History Channel on Youtube.com.

Min needs your help bringing this film to a theater near you and to the world. I humbly serve as this film's co-producer. Please donate to help pay for the following:

1) Making a trailer for the film

2) Hiring crews to help with the film's production and editing

3) Cover the crews' travel expenses because they must shoot scenes and interview people in China, Taiwan, and the United States.

4) Cover marketing and legal expenses