The "See You in Quzhou" Sino-American people-to-people exchange event took place on April 18 in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

The gathering aimed to honor the historic bonds forged during the famous Doolittle Raid Rescue in World War II and to foster new cultural exchanges between the two nations.

In 1942, after a daring bombing raid on Japan, 80 US pilots, led by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle, were forced to bail out or crash-land in China after running out of fuel. Among them, 51 airmen received selfless assistance from the people of Quzhou.

Over 100 participants attended the event – including US guests, researchers, descendants of the rescuers, academic representatives, and media.

Han Qiang, president of the Quzhou Doolittle Raid Historical Research Association, noted that since the 1990s, descendants of the Doolittle Raiders have frequently visited Quzhou, inviting their Chinese rescuers to commemorative events in the US.

Some of the participants visit the Memorial Hall to the Doolittle Raid in Quzhou. [Photo/app.qz123.com]

Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, recounted the raid's background and aftermath, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two peoples.

Greene awarded Quzhou Senior High School the title of Flying Tigers Friendship School – marking its inclusion in the Sino-American Youth Leadership Program to enhance student exchanges.

The Doolittle Raid's rescue stories remain a cherished part of Quzhou's history. At the event, representatives unveiled a traditional Yudong farmer's painting depicting this historic rescue, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Sino-American friendship.

Editor: Xu Zhitian