A bronze tribute to wartime solidarity was unveiled in Los Angeles on Saturday, as sculptures commemorating the "Flying Tigers" – a legendary U.S.-China aerial unit – took their place near LAX. The event marked the 80th anniversary of victories in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Featuring General Claire Lee Chennault and a Chinese soldier standing shoulder-to-shoulder, the installation symbolizes what Nell Calloway, Chennault's granddaughter, called "the power of friendship between nations." Over 100 attendees, including veterans, officials, and community representatives, gathered under the theme "Flying Tigers, United States and China Fighting Together."
The Flying Tigers, formally known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, played a pivotal role in defending China's skies from 1941 onward. Mel McMullen, a 101-year-old veteran at the ceremony, emphasized preserving this history: "We’re keeping the story alive – it’s something to be proud of."
The sculptures coincide with renewed academic and business interest in WWII-era U.S.-China cooperation. Analysts note their timing aligns with efforts to foster cross-cultural understanding amid modern geopolitical complexities.
