China News Service Liuzhou, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Veterans of the American Flying Tigers tell stories of the Anti-Japanese War and talk about delicious snail noodles with China's "post-6s".
Author: Lin Xin, Liu Juncong
Across mountains and seas and time and space, Harry Moyer, a 103-year-old veteran of the American Flying Tigers, had a cordial exchange with Chinese "post-00s" (referring to those born after 2000) students in Guangxi a few days ago. The veteran told the students the story of the Anti-Japanese War, and the students invited him to taste Liuzhou's delicacy of snail noodles.
On November 11, Jeffrey Green, Chairman of the U.S.-China Aviation Heritage Foundation, and Flying Tigers veterans Harry Moyer and Melvin McMullen walked into the "Flying Tigers Friendship School" - Huxi Experimental Middle School in Liuzhou City, Guangxi.
Under the blue sky and white clouds, Chinese students welcome veterans with a model airplane with a tiger motif. Seeing the plane in a graceful arc in the sky, Harry Moyer and Melvin McMullen applauded.
The picture shows that on November 11, the delegation of the Flying Tigers walked into the "Flying Tigers Friendship School" - Huxi Experimental Middle School in Liuzhou City, Guangxi, and watched the aircraft model performance. Photo by Lin Xin
When the heroes of the history books came to campus, the Chinese students were thrilled. "I've read the story of the Flying Tigers in a history book and I'm looking forward to seeing them coming." After shaking hands with Harry Moyer, 14-year-old Chang Ruirui couldn't hide her excitement.
Chang Ruirui and her classmates painted the elements of the Flying Tigers on paper bags and fans, and presented them to the Flying Tigers delegation as gifts to express their respect. "The Flying Tigers' courage and dedication are still worth learning from." Chang Ruirui said when he got the signature of the Flying Tigers delegation.
During World War II, General Chennault of the United States established the "Chinese Air Force American Volunteer Air Force to Aid China" (referred to as the "Flying Tigers") to fight against the Japanese army together with the Chinese military and civilians. For more than 80 years, the story of the Flying Tigers has been passed down from generation to generation.
On the same day, Hari Moyer came face-to-face with the Chinese students to tell the story. "I had the opportunity to go home at that time, but it was also an honor for me to choose to come to China and fight side by side with the Chinese." Harry Moyer said.
Melvin McMullen remembers receiving help from Chinese villagers when he was attacked by the Japanese and retreated. "If the rescue is discovered, the Chinese will be severely punished," he said. But the villagers bravely helped us by moving the Flying Tigers from one village to another. ”
After reminiscing about the past, the students chatted with Harry Moyer about Chinese food and invited him to taste Liuzhou snail noodles. Harry Moyer praised: "The food eaten in China is very delicious".
On November 11, Flying Tigers veteran Melvin McMullen (front row, third from right) and his wife (front row, second from right) took a photo with a hand-painted Flying Tigers fan. Photo by Lin Xin
Today, the story of the Flying Tigers is timeless, continuing among the younger generations in China and the United States. Every year, the two sides organize mutual visits and exchanges between teachers and students, and visit the places where the "Flying Tigers" fought, historical sites and memorial halls.
Fifteen-year-old Jackson Long is the great-grandson of Flying Tigers veteran Clifford Long. He said that he is very much looking forward to bringing his classmates to China for exchanges in the future. By inheriting the spirit of the Flying Tigers, we will promote peace and prosperity in the world.
"As one Chinese said, the soul of a tiger does not die. We want to spread the story of the Flying Tigers to the world. Harry Moyer said. He hoped that the younger generations of the two countries would communicate with each other and understand each other's aspirations for a better life, happiness, health and friendship. (ENDS)