In a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bond forged amid adversity, Sino-American non-governmental cultural exchange activities marked the 82nd Anniversary of the Great Rescue of Doolittle Raid. Held under the theme “Let the friendship forged by blood and flame be passed down from generation to generation,” the event unfolded at the Memorial Hall to the Doolittle Raid in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, from April 17 to 19.
The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the valorous act of Chinese soldiers and civilians who bravely rescued American pilots during the Anti-Japanese War. Descendants of the rescued American soldiers frequently visit the hall, paying homage to the righteous and courageous Chinese people who risked their lives to save others.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a speech delivered on November 15, 2023, highlighted the heroic narrative of the Doolittle Raid rescue, underscoring the profound significance of Sino-American camaraderie. The raid, executed by 80 pilots including Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle, saw modified B-25 “Mitchell” bombers attacking Japan, with the pilots forced to bail out over China due to fuel shortages. The ensuing Japanese retaliation in the Battle of Zhejiang and Jiangxi claimed the lives of 250,000 Chinese civilians.
Over the years, surviving members of the “Doolittle Raiders Association” and their descendants, represented by the “Children of Doolittle Raiders,” have journeyed to China to express gratitude and seek out their rescuers. Susan Ozuk, daughter of a navigator from the raid, revisited the humble abode of Liao Shiyuan’s family in Zhangcun Township, Jiangshan City, honoring the legacy of compassion and solidarity.
In a bid to nurture the spirit of peace and cooperation, the Association Children of Doolittle Raiders initiated scholarships at Quzhou Second Middle School and organized English essay competitions centered around the Doolittle Raid. These efforts aim to instill the values of friendship and reconciliation among young students, symbolized by a “friendship tree” planted jointly by Sino-American allies in 2015, standing as a testament to the enduring legacy of the raid and the blossoming Chinese-US friendship.
The commemoration of the Doolittle Raid serves as a reminder of the power of unity and compassion in overcoming adversity, fostering deeper cultural understanding and collaboration between nations.
