Remembering sacrifices

"I didn't know about the Flying Tigers before I came here," says Rasilla. "Now I think their mission is really important. The connection between the Chinese and American people is so important. For our generation, as we grow older and take on leadership roles, maintaining a good relationship is essential."

The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by US General Claire Lee Chennault to help China in its fight against invading Japanese forces.

The story of Glen Beneda left a deep impression on many participants. In 1943, Beneda, then 19, was dispatched to China as a fighter pilot in the 14th US Air Force. During an attack on a large Japanese army base in Central China's Hankou the following year, the tail of Beneda's plane was hit, and the aircraft crashed into Xiafeng Lake in Jianli county, Hubei province. Beneda survived by parachuting into a nearby rice paddy, but he was severely wounded and could barely move.