Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Flying Tigers and the Historical Photo Exhibition of the U.S. Air Force Aid to China in World War II was held at the Halfway Museum
On Saturday, December 11, the U.S.-China Aviation Heritage Foundation and the U.S.-China Friendship Association held a series of events at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Flying Tigers and a photo exhibition of the U.S. Air Force aiding China during World War II. People from all walks of life in Southern California attended the day's event, and the Chinese national anthem and the American national anthem were played in the Halfway Museum, and at this moment of severe Sino-US relations, it is particularly precious for the people of the two countries to carry out such a solemn and serious salute ceremony together.
Zhang Ping, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles, delivered a speech. Photo by Xiao Bo
Zhang Ping, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles, was invited to attend the commemorative event. He said, "The history of the Flying Tigers is a history of joint cooperation between China and the United States in World War II, jointly resisting the enemy and condensing with blood. At the same time, it is also a precious heritage of China and the United States, which is worth commemorating and inheriting. This relationship has also brought a lot of enlightenment to the present day: peace is not easy to come by, and peace should be cherished. As two major countries in the world, it is hoped that this commemoration will help China and the United States continue to pass on their friendship. In this special period, it is hoped that the two countries can strengthen communication, work together to safeguard world peace, properly handle the differences between the two countries, and achieve common prosperity. Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Biden said in a video conference that the two countries should strengthen communication and take constructive measures to control differences and avoid conflict and confrontation. ”
Harry Moyer, a hundred-year-old veteran, expressed the same sentiment to reporters, recalling his "Flying Tigers" career as if there were endless words. "As a member of the Flying Tigers, I am very proud of myself. The Flying Tigers are a symbol of the unremitting efforts of the two great peoples of the United States and China to pursue the common goal of peace. This friendship between the two countries during the war years enlightens us that in this era of peace, the United States and China have more reason and confidence to overcome many obstacles and reach mutual understanding and cooperation. Although these memories are old, the friendship between China and the United States will always be in my heart. The new generation should not forget the spirit of the Flying Tigers and let it be passed on. ”
Feng Zhenfa, honorary chairman of the U.S.-China Aviation Heritage Foundation, said that the exhibition includes some historical materials of the Flying Tigers and is a witness to sino-US friendship during World War II. This photo exhibition is an annual event, which was also held in San Francisco a few days ago, and is very meaningful with the support of China and the United States.
Jeff Greene, president of the U.S.-China Aviation Heritage Foundation, concluded, "What exactly gave us the goal to differentiate ourselves during World War II?" What makes us stand up and face difficulties together to fight to the death? Our individuals may seem helpless and small, but this is not the case. If each of us works together for the goal of world peace, each of us is actually a member of the Flying Tigers! ”
Also participating in the event were the descendants of Captain James E. Bryant of the Flying Tigers, retired U.S. Navy Commander David Koontz, Ned Kisner, executive committee member of the Sino-AMERICAN Aviation Heritage Foundation, members of the Sino-AMERICAN Aviation Heritage Foundation, members of the American-China Friendship Association, and representatives of overseas Chinese circles such as Zhang Sujiu, Lu Qiang, and Yu Qing.