On September 1, Zhang Jianmin, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco, attended the Ceremony to honor Flying Tigers Heroes and to launch the “Flying Tigers Youth Leadership Programs” hosted by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation at Schofield Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was attended by Jeff Greene, Chairman of the SAAHF, Linda Cavazos, Trustee of the Clark County School District in Nevada, and Terri Knepp, Principal of Schofield Middle School. About one thousand students and their teachers attended the event.
Consul General Zhang pointed out in his speech that the story of the Flying Tigers testifies to the power of friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and American people, and the spirit of the Flying Tigers makes clear our shared responsibility for a better future for the people of the two countries and the world. The China-US relations are now at a critical juncture. The two sides should uphold the spirit of the Flying Tigers, develop relations with mutual respect and work for peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. The young people of the two countries should shoulder the historical mission, carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and create a better world.
The speakers spoke highly of the friendship between the Chinese and American people during the period when the Flying Tigers went to China. They believed that in the face of the current difficult situation in bilateral relations, both sides should carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers, strengthen people-to-people friendship and youth exchanges, and to put the China-US relations back on the right track.
During the event, Consul General Zhang and other speakers jointly announced the launch of the "Flying Tigers Youth Leadership Programs". Consul General Zhang also presented a letter of commendation to Schofield Middle School and watched a video honoring the Flying Tigers heroes with the faculty and students of the school. The event proceeded in a friendly and lively atmosphere. The students interacted with Consul General Zhang.