Flying Tigers Memorial Museum

Guest Post by Jen

We returned two days ago from a forty-eight hour excursion to Zhijiang, China. We took a five hour bus ride with two wiggly boys and four adults. A favorable ratio. The views of China's countryside were beautiful and included many terraced rice patties and mountainside crops, valleys, lakes, mountains, gorges, streams, waterfalls, tunnels and bridges.

We chose Zhijiang as a destination because it has the only museum in China dedicated to the Flying Tigers. Mike's father, Paul J. Smith was a pilot in WWII with the rank of 2nd Lt. He flew 104 missions in China. His first mission was escorting bombers to Changsha, the city in which Drew and Rachel reside.

Rachel's Chinese language instructor's husband is the Provincial museum leader in Changsha and he connected us to the Flying Tiger's Memorial Museum director in Zhijiang. The director was excited to learn that descendants of a Flying Tiger pilot was coming to visit the museum.

At 9:30 pm we were met at the bus station by a museum host, Mr. Zang, and a driver who took us to a very nice hotel. Rachel put Titus and Michael to bed while Mike, Drew and I were taken to a restaurant where we were served an incredible amount of food. I think it was then that we realized that this was not going to be an ordinary trip to a museum.

The next morning we were escorted to another private room for breakfast where we were greeted very warmly by Mr. Wu, the museum director, along with other directors and employees. Drew and Rachel were able to communicate clearly while cuing us in on proper etiquette when meeting and dining in more formal settings. We gave Drew permission to express our gratitude in any way he deemed appropriate. Drew has a great sense of humor and at times I feel he secretly enjoys our ignorance. But this was serious and we completely trusted him... we had no choice!

We met our delightful tour guide, Ms. Song, at the museum who was accompanied by a local T.V. reporter. Drew and Rachel translated information for us.

It was apparent that the Chinese who know the history of the Flying Tigers are so appreciative and hold high regards for the American soldiers who fought alongside the Chinese against the invading Japanese. I was personally in awe of the gratitude and respect they continued to demonstrate towards us, the descendants of a man who came to serve them seventy years ago. Mr. Wu sited us as being the first family of three generations, descendants of a Flying Tiger, to have visited the Museum.

Memorial dedicated to the First American Volunteer Group

Titus and Michael made friends quickly and were continually being played with and be cared for thoughout the day.

WWII Memorial Archway for Acceptance of Surrender

Surrendering Hall, the meeting place to negotiate the Japanese surrender

Children at the Monument to Victory

We shared a meal at this beautiful restaurant that grows all its own food. The structures are built without nails, an architectural tradition of the Dong people group.

That afternoon we visited one of the longest covered bridges in the world, the Longjin Bridge. Original construction began in 1482.

Mr. Zang loved playing with Michael and Titus.

This pavilion is also constructed without nails.

Our evening meal consisted of 17 different food items enjoyed by us and the museum group. There were many toasts and pleasantries spoken.

An early morning walk gave us the opportunity to meet this man and his pet birds!

Another round of delicious breakfast options were served as we said our goodbyes and accepted gracious gifts from Mr. Wu. They drove us to the bus station, gave us food for the trip, carried our luggage, and helped with the boys. I mention these things because it was evident they wanted to meet our every need. Did I mention they waived all our admissions, paid for everything we ate and surprised us by purchasing our bus tickets back to Changsha?

Incredible hospitality. We're just the Smiths from a little town in Minnesota - there's a million people just like us. But for a short time, several new friends went out of their way to honor Mike's Dad and other Flying Tigers by blessing us.

I must add that while I was eating breakfast I thought about "How did I get here?"

Strangers are waiting on me, they are all glad we're here and I'm enjoying this feast with people I've never met. I didn't earn it, I can't repay it and I didn't do anything to deserve it. I'm here because 68 years ago Mike's Dad was willing to sacrifice his life for others. We've been acknowledged as his heirs and we are reaping the benefits of his service.

2000 years ago Someone sacrificed His life so we could be called His heirs and reap the benefits. It's overwhelming to think of the One and only sacrifice that was made so that I can come to the feast. I can't earn it, I can never repay it, and I certainly don't deserve it. The only thing I can do is receive it.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what He has prepared for those who love Him!

I am a visitor in a foreign land, pondering what going Home will be like.

-Jen