A man takes photos of the sculptures in Los Angeles, the United States, on June 28, 2025. A ceremony unveiling sculptures of “Flying Tigers” was held on Saturday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.(Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
LOS ANGELES, June 28 (Xinhua) — A ceremony unveiling sculptures of “Flying Tigers” was held on Saturday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The ceremony, with the theme of “Flying Tigers, United States and China Fighting Together,” attracted about 100 people, including “Flying Tigers” veterans, officials and representatives of Chinese communities in California.
The sculptures, featuring full-length statues of General Claire Lee Chennault and a Chinese soldier, were installed near Los Angeles International Airport.
The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by Chennault to help China fight invading Japanese forces.
“It is so important that we remember the war that they fought so that we could live in peace,” said Nell Calloway, granddaughter of Gen. Chennault.
“China and the United States are the two most important countries in our world. With their friendship and lasting peace, the whole world will benefit from that,” she added.
Mel McMullen, a “Flying Tigers” veteran who attended the ceremony, said, “it’s great that we’re keeping the story and the history of General Chennault and our participation in the Second World War alive.”
“I think it’s great that we keep this memory alive because it’s something that we should all be proud of,” he said. ■
Nell Calloway poses for photos alongside the sculptures in Los Angeles, the United States, on June 28, 2025. A ceremony unveiling sculptures of “Flying Tigers” was held on Saturday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.(Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
