By Feng Xinran, Shao Yibo and Zheng Keyi
BEIJING, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) — To the accompaniment of solemn music, two Flying Tigers veterans introduced flower baskets to the statues of heroes who fought in opposition to Japanese aggression, then bowed deeply to specific their reverence.
Former army airmen Harry Moyer and Melvin McMullen, aged 103 and 98, respectively, attended an occasion to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the U.S. 14th Air Force’s participation in China’s struggle of resistance in opposition to Japanese aggression. In so doing, they have been honoring an vital chapter in historical past, when Americans like them fought facet by facet with the Chinese individuals throughout wartime.
Keen to relive historical past and cross on the spirit of the Flying Tigers, Moyer, McMullen and Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, began a 10-day go to to China on Oct. 28, along with practically 30 descendants of the veterans of the well-known fight staff.
“The soul of the Flying Tigers will never disappear, just as the friendship between the Chinese and American people will always exist,” stated Moyer, who celebrated his 103rd birthday in Beijing on Oct. 30, accompanied by pals from each China and the United States.
Eight many years in the past, Chinese and American individuals cast a deep friendship that withstood the check of blood and hearth when preventing the Japanese fascists collectively.
Recalling their interval of service in China, McMullen stated they admired and revered the Chinese individuals for a lot of causes, and have by no means forgotten their bravery.
“When we unfortunately encountered mechanical failure or were hit by the enemy and had to bail out, we knew that the Chinese people would definitely find and help us,” McMullen stated.
Data reveals that greater than 2,000 Flying Tigers airmen gave their valuable lives in the course of the struggle. The Chinese individuals additionally offered American pilots with help in any respect prices. More than 200 pilots in misery have been rescued, with hundreds of Chinese individuals giving their lives in the course of the rescue operations.
“We have been partners in war, now let us always be partners in peace,” stated McMullen.
In late August, Greene, Moyer and McMullen collectively wrote a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which they launched the efforts of the muse and Flying Tigers veterans to assist promote pleasant China-U.S. exchanges, and expressed their willingness to inherit and carry ahead the spirit of China-U.S. cooperation.
They obtained a swift reply from President Xi.
In his reply, Xi stated the sound and regular growth of the China-U.S. relationship within the new period requires the enter and help of a brand new technology of Flying Tigers. He expressed the hope that the spirit of the Flying Tigers can be carried on from technology to technology among the many Chinese and American individuals.
Devoted to selling the research and commemoration of China-U.S. historic aviation occasions for practically 30 years, Greene was deeply touched to be taught that the story of the Flying Tigers is thought to nearly each household in China.
“President Xi’s reply once again shows to the United States and the world that the Chinese people will never forget their old friends, which is also an important message we want to convey to the American people,” stated Greene.
As President Xi burdened in his reply, in rising China-U.S. relations, the hope lies within the individuals, the muse lies among the many individuals, and the longer term lies with the youth.
The Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Tigers veterans have labored tirelessly to unfold the story of the Flying Tigers in each China and the United States.
The basis launched the Flying Tigers Friendship Schools and Youth Leadership Program final 12 months and efficiently facilitated the institution this 12 months of the “Flying Tigers Friendship School” between a center faculty in Nevada and two center colleges in China.
Jackson Long is the great-grandson of the Flying Tigers veteran Clifford Long. His highschool can be engaged on constructing a friendship with Chinese colleges.
As the youngest member of the delegation, the 15-year-old had his personal distinctive understanding of the Flying Tigers story, saying, “To me, the spirit of the Flying Tigers is about friendship.”
Jackson stated he cannot wait to inform all his pals about what he discovered in China, in order that extra individuals will perceive the historical past linking China and the United States.
“Because of the common memories we had 80 years ago, now we can bring more people together, especially the youth,” stated Greene. “I believe this is exactly what President Xi says in his letter.”