Flying Tigers Memorial Museum celebrates China US friendship

The Flying Tigers Memorial Museum, located in the small town of Zhijiang in Hunan Province, stands as a significant testament to the enduring friendship forged between China and the United States during World War II. This establishment honors the historical bonds that emerged in the face of global struggle against fascism.

During the onset of China's total resistance to Japanese aggression, particularly following the Lugou Bridge Incident, General Claire Lee Chennault of the United States pledged his support, famously vowing, 'I'll help China as much as I can if you need.' This promise materialized through the formation of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), commonly known as the Flying Tigers, who valiantly aided China's efforts.

At the peak of their operations, Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County was home to 6,062 American pilots, with over 2,000 members of the Flying Tigers sacrificing their lives during combat. Countless local Chinese citizens also risked everything, rescuing more than 200 downed airmen, often facing fatal reprisals for their courageous acts.

In his memoir 'Way of a Fighter,' General Chennault reflected on the spirit of camaraderie that characterized these rescues, stating that over 95 percent of wounded American airmen who landed behind Japanese lines were saved by Chinese locals. Even in the face of severe penalties, the Chinese people unyieldingly displayed their goodwill and commitment to aiding American pilots.

The Flying Tigers Memorial Museum today continues to tell this extraordinary narrative of solidarity between the two nations. The museum complex features three key buildings: the main memorial hall and two historically preserved structures — the original control tower of the Sino-American Air Force and the clubhouse of the Chinese American Composite Wing.

Inside the main hall, visitors can explore a diverse array of historical artifacts, including personal belongings of both American and Chinese pilots, as well as rare color photographs that capture the daily lives and mutual cooperation between the two groups during the war.

Wu Jianhong, the museum's director, highlighted that many artifacts were generously donated by descendants of Flying Tigers veterans, alongside contributions from Chinese Americans and supportive individuals in the U.S. Wu noted, 'You could say the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum is a joint creation of the Chinese and American people.'

Despite being in its early stages during the war, color photography serves as an essential medium in the museum, with many vivid images taken by American signalman Joe Day. In 2014, Day donated these striking photographs, which provide unrivaled insights into the social and military dynamics of that period.

During a recent visit to the museum, I encountered a diverse range of attendees, from families with elderly members to enthusiastic youth groups and international visitors, all engaged with the exhibits. Wu emphasized the museum's role as a vital avenue for fostering cultural exchange between China and the United States, with many Americans expressing their desire to learn about the Flying Tigers’ experiences.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a delegation comprising descendants of Flying Tigers veterans and long-standing American friends of China will visit Zhijiang in September. Several commemorative events are planned to pay homage to this shared legacy.

Although the smoke of war has long since cleared, the enduring spirit of cooperation exemplified by the Flying Tigers serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for collaboration in the pursuit of peace. Their legacy is a testament to friendship transcending geographical and political boundaries.