Organized by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, a delegation of 69 members from the U.S. Flying Tigers Friendship & Heritage Delegation visited Guangdong from July 17 to 20.
It is reported that the delegation includes descendants of Flying Tigers veterans and students and teachers from Flying Tigers Friendship Schools. Under the coordination and organization of the Guangdong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, on the 18th, the delegation visited the Baietan Greater Bay Area Art Center, Haixinsha Science Island, and Guangzhou Zoo in Guangzhou; on the 19th, they went to Songshanhu North District School in Dongguan and the Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall in Guangdong for visits and exchanges, listened to stories of the Flying Tigers in Guangdong, and enthusiastically experienced Chinese characteristic culture.
“This is my first time in China, and it feels very cool,” said 17-year-old delegate Ethan Saldana in an interview. “Before coming to China, I didn’t know what to expect, but after arriving and seeing so much technology and innovative products, I was truly amazed.”
He expressed that the peoples of China and the U.S. both cherish friendship and that he looks forward to making more Chinese friends during the trip. While experiencing a Chinese cultural program at Songshanhu North District School, he personally made a scented sachet, which he plans to bring back as a gift for his mother.
Another 17-year-old delegate, Addison Barrera, experienced “dragon tossing” and pot throwing during the activities. “‘Dragon tossing’ was really cool. I’m not very good at pot throwing, but it was still an interesting experience,” she said. “Songshanhu North District School is much bigger than my high school, and the way they integrate culture into the classroom is really advanced.”
In the “Remembering Heroes: The Flying Tigers in Guangdong” history class, expert explanations from Maoming and Taishan cities in Guangdong gave everyone a deeper understanding of the history of the Flying Tigers. Addison Barrera confessed that the history lecture inspired his interest in learning Chinese.
Jeff Greene, Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, said in an interview, “China and the United States jointly possess the heritage of the Flying Tigers, which is a very strong bond between our peoples. The story of the Flying Tigers teaches us that no matter how bad things get, we can work together.”
Speaking of the significance of bringing American youths to China this time, Greene said: “I want them to see and experience China for themselves, and let them draw their own conclusions. After they return home, they will share the real China with their classmates, teachers, and parents.”