Chongqing – "The Sky of History: Photo Exhibition on the Flying Tigers and the Chinese War of Resistance" officially opened on September 11 at the Chongqing Stilwell Museum.
"The Sky of History: Photo Exhibition on the Flying Tigers and the Chinese War of Resistance" officially opened on September 11 at the Stilwell Museum in Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo: Deng Yan)
Featuring over 200 historical photographs, the exhibition vividly documents the courage of Flying Tigers pilots rushing into battle and the heroic efforts of Chinese civilians who risked their lives to rescue downed American airmen. It stands as a powerful testament to the wartime solidarity between the Chinese and American people, their shared resolve against aggression, and their common pursuit of peace.
"The Sky of History: Photo Exhibition on the Flying Tigers and the Chinese War of Resistance" officially opened on September 11 at the Stilwell Museum in Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo: Deng Yan)
"This story of remarkable friendship and mutual sacrifice is, at its heart, a deeply human tale of love and fidelity - and has become more than a bridge between two nations. It is a timeless testament to the power of solidarity. It reminds us that even in humanity's darkest hours, people can choose compassion over fear, and loyalty over self-preservation," said Jeffrey Greene, Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and the American Flying Tigers Legacy Foundation.
Jeffrey Greene, the Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and the American Flying Tigers Legacy Foundation, toured the photo exhibition. (Photo: Deng Yan)
Clifford Ray Long Jr., son of a P-40 fighter pilot from the Flying Tigers' 14th Air Force, has brought his father's military uniform and other precious items to exhibit in Chongqing. "Do you see this patch on the uniform? The fangs—that was the emblem of the 25th Fighter Squadron," he shared. "Whenever I saw a plane with those fangs, I knew it was my father's squadron."
"I'm incredibly proud to be here now—to experience it myself and to help carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers and the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples," said Clifford.
During the opening ceremony, the Jiangbei District Science Model Association presented a handcrafted diorama depicting a Flying Tigers scene to the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation.
The foundation designated Chongqing Yucai Secondary School as a "Flying Tigers Friendship School"—the first such honor bestowed in the city. Located in Jiulongpo District, which housed the Flying Tigers' wartime headquarters at Baishiyi Airfield, the school is poised to draw on local history to educate students about this remarkable chapter. Aimed at deepening understanding, the school will host youth exchanges between the next generation of Chinese and Americans.
"Through the Friendship School initiative, we bring Chinese and American students together. While learning about the Flying Tigers' legacy, they also learn how to connect and build understanding with one another—and that is truly what shapes our future," said Clifford.