China-U.S. friendship: Echoes of harmony(2)

Fond Reunions 

On June 26, China Global Television Network (CGTN) launched its radio drama series “Echoes of Kuliang” at the Haixia Youth Center in Fuzhou. The series is inspired by the true story of Milton Gardner and his profound ties to Kuliang. The narrative centers on the intertwined lives of two families spanning two generations from China to the U.S. 

“Yes, they continue in the spirit of friendship, I hope that we can continue on a path towards peace just as China has made such striving efforts that it gives me a great home,” said Lee Gardner, grandnephew of Milton Gardner while attending the “Bond with Kuliang” events which wrapped up on June 28. 

In conjunction with the radio drama release, a dialogue on China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges was held. Elyn Maclnnis, Gordon Trimble and Michael Phyllis, members of Kuliang Friends, participated in the event and shared their Kuliang stories. 

“I think that comes through really expanding each exchange of cultures and always finding a way to collaborate together. I think having something like this to understanding how cultures have lived together and interacted together is extremely important,” said Michael Phyllis. 

Isaac Philip Gray, an American student at Peking University, highlighted at a group talk that both Chinese and American cultures exhibit significant diversity and inclusiveness. He noted, however, that many Americans lack awareness of this due to frequent exposure to stereotypical reports of China from American media. Gray emphasized the importance of increased cultural exchanges to foster deeper mutual understanding between the two countries. 

Chinese youth representative Huang Ye, a musician, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that dialogues and exchange activities play a crucial role in strengthening understanding and mutual recognition between Chinese and American youth.  

As a significant event during the “Bond with Kuliang,” a special Kuliang story sharing session unfolded on June 23. Eight lifelong friends from Kuliang came together, reminiscing about their treasured memories and experiences with old friends, fellow students and faculty from various universities. 

Chen Shiming, a former student of the ACC, reminisced about his teachers Donald Maclnnis, the Pilleys and P. P. Wiant, who sponsored his education. All had resided in Kuliang and profoundly influenced his life. “Even though I am 100 years old, I will always consider myself a student of ACC and of Donald MacInnis,” he said. 

“I was teacher Donald’s most beloved student,” Chen Shiming said. Chen mentioned that at home he has a cherished first issue of the handwritten school magazine TIDE, which marked the beginning of their friendship. 

Upon her arrival, Gail Harris immediately sought out Li Yiying for their fifth reunion since childhood. Li Yiying shared a photo album documenting their meetings starting from 2014, illustrating their enduring bond and happiness over the years. 

“I am Li Yiying, the older of the twin sisters, and this is my American sister,” Li Yiying said. She reminisced that they were born during the turbulent years of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). Their family relocated to Yangkou in Nanping, Fujian with the ACC, and both sisters were born on the school’s anniversary. Their parents named them “Ying” (Anglo) and “Hua” (Chinese). 

Reflecting on their enduring friendship, Li remarked, “She’s like my little sister from America.” Despite the passage of 65 years and the physical distance between them, their friendship has remained steadfast. 

In the Kuliang Families Story Museum which opened on June 22, two group photos taken more than half a century apart drew attention. One was taken in 1944, a photo of Chinese and American families. In the picture, 3-year-old Gail Harris is being held by her father, and 3-year-old Li Yiying is nestled in her mother’s arms. The other photo was taken in 2023, with Harris and Li Yiying, both now 82, along with their families. 

Through texts, photographs, precious exhibits and immersive scenes, the museum narrates the emotional stories of these families’ ties to Kuliang. It also captures the touching journeys of their descendants as they return to Kuliang to reconnect with their roots.