Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Sandra Oudkirk, paid tribute to the American Flying Tigers who fought alongside the Republic of China's Air Force, stating that their deeds remind people of the enduring collective commitment to maintaining peace.
On the 3rd, Oudkirk posted on AIT's Facebook homepage, saying that on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we should pay tribute to the countless heroes who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. Among them, the Flying Tigers are one of the best examples embodying the spirit of fearlessness and advancing courageously.
She said that this air squadron, composed of American volunteers, fought side by side with the Republic of China's Air Force to resist fascism. “Their sacrifice and dedication not only protected countless lives, but also forged a profound friendship and unity between the two sides that continues to this day.”
She revealed that a few months ago, she attended the farewell ceremony of Captain John Sun Chu, the last member of the Flying Tigers, who passed away in the United States at the age of 102. His ashes were interred at Bitan Air Force Martyrs' Cemetery.
Oudkirk also thanked the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum in Hualien for its dedication to preserving this historical heritage of “joining hands and defending freedom.”
The post also included photos of Oudkirk attending Captain Chu's farewell ceremony, as well as her visit to the Hualien Air Force 5th Wing History Museum, accompanied by Taiwan's Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Hsieh Jih-sheng, which featured exhibits about the Flying Tigers and the Sino-American Composite Wing.
Oudkirk emphasized that the deeds of the Flying Tigers remind people of the enduring collective commitment to maintaining peace, prosperity, and security.