Forum highlights inspiring legacy of the Flying Tigers

Veterans, descendants and historians gather for a forum to discuss the history and spirit of the Flying Tigers in Los Angeles on Sunday. (RENA LI/CHINA DAILY)

Amid a tumultuous global landscape 82 years ago, members of a courageous World War II military alliance soared over the "Roof of the World" to beat the odds.

The Hump Airlift, a perilous wartime route carved through the Himalayas, not only delivered critical supplies but also cemented an enduring bond between China and the United States.

Blending history, heroism and hope for a peaceful future, "Flying Over the Top of the World — Forum in Commemorating the 82nd Anniversary of the Hump Airlift in WWII" was hosted by the Flying Tigers Communication Association on Sunday in Los Angeles.

"This forum aims to promote the study and preservation of the history and spirit of the Hump Route, ensuring that more people understand its significance in fostering peace and development," said Yu Qing, president of the association.

Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants took center stage at the event. Among them was 99-year-old veteran Mel McMullen, while fellow veterans Jack Goodrich and Robert Moore recounted their heroic missions in video messages.

Their tales of bravery resonated deeply with attendees, including US Representative Judy Chu of California, who reflected on 45 years of US-China diplomatic relations.

"It is better to choose diplomacy, with cooperation benefiting both nations and the world. And the best example of that is indeed the inspiring legacy of the Flying Tigers," Chu told the gathering.

The Hump Route, forged through the determination of Chinese and US aviators, became a crucial lifeline during Japan's blockade of China. Navigating the dangerous Himalayan terrain, the route not only transported Chinese soldiers to the South Asian front but also delivered essential supplies from Allied forces.

The extraordinary mission, however, came at a steep cost. The US military's 10th Air Force of the Army Air Forces alone lost more than 1,500 aircraft and nearly 3,000 personnel, with an 80 percent loss rate. Chinese airlines faced similarly devastating losses, with 50 percent of their pilots and aircraft lost in the effort.

California State Senator Bob Archuleta highlighted the profound sacrifices and their lasting significance. "Their sacrifice lives on every single day in our history books, but it is vital that we also carry it in our hearts," Archuleta said.

Marina Tse, former deputy assistant secretary of the US Department of Education, recounted the historical context of the Japanese invasion of China and the US volunteers who joined the Chinese Army to fight for justice. "We need to continue that kind of spirit to help other people," Tse told China Daily.

"I think it's important for us to not only memorialize their contributions and their sacrifices, but it also showcases the longest and most cherished part of the friendship between China and the US," said Huang Hongjiang, vice-consul-general at the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles.