China and the U.S. recently held twin concerts in Washington and New York, marking 80 years since the end of World War II with music and storytelling that honored their shared fight and revived the Flying Tigers’ legacy.
Titled "Experience China -- China-U.S. Friendship Symphony and Storytelling Concert", the events blended live performances by the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra with wartime narratives, recalling a time when Chinese and Americans fought side by side.
"Eighty years ago, in that fight for justice, China and the United States stood shoulder to shoulder. The Chinese people cherish the friendship," said Chen Li, Consul General of China in New York.
Hundreds of guests attended both concerts, including descendants of America’s Flying Tigers volunteer air units.
"Through art and music, we can tell these friendship stories well, so that future generations remember what happened 80 years ago and continue to write new chapters," said Gao Demin, son of Flying Tigers nurse Rita Wong. Jesse Millett, grandson of U.S. Flying Tigers medic Clinton Millett, said he was honored to take part in the concert and felt a deep responsibility to pass these stories on to the next generation.
"If it weren't for the heroes from both China and the U.S., the world today would be very different," he said.
Formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault, the Flying Tigers, officially the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, played a pivotal role in resisting Japanese aggression, shooting down over 2,600 enemy planes despite suffering more than 2,000 casualties. By blending history with music, the China-U.S. concerts revived wartime memories and struck an emotional chord, underscoring a friendship that continues to inspire future cooperation between the two peoples.
China, US hold concerts honoring shared WWII fight, Flying Tigers legacy
