WAU Student Among Honored Guests at Flying Tigers 80th Anniversary Commemoration in Washington, D.C.

On March 25, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., hosted a moving reception to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and to honor the legacy of the Flying Tigers—a renowned unit symbolizing early China-U.S. military cooperation during World War II. The event gathered veterans, dignitaries, historians, and descendants of the Flying Tigers, paying tribute to their courage and shared sacrifice.

Among the distinguished guests was Lysle Follette, a sophomore Vocal Performance major at Washington Adventist University (Class of 2027), who was invited to attend in honor of the historic occasion.

“What a blessing it was to represent my country for such a distinguished and honorable event as the Flying Tigers 80th anniversary. Heroes were gathered in that room, and it was so moving to have met such fearless and valiant veterans.”
— Lysle Follette, Sophomore, Vocal Performance Major, ’27

The event featured remarks from China’s Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, who emphasized the legacy of unity forged during WWII, when American and Chinese forces fought side by side against Japanese aggression. He called for renewed cooperation between the two nations, drawing wisdom from the past to build a future rooted in mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Family members of the original Flying Tigers shared poignant stories of bravery, including Cynthia Chennault and Nell Calloway, daughter and granddaughter of General Claire Lee Chennault, the legendary commander of the group. Each reflection highlighted the resilience and selflessness of the American volunteers who helped defend China at a critical moment in history.

The ceremony served not only as a remembrance of past heroism but also as a reminder of the power of international friendship in times of crisis. For young attendees like Follette, the experience was a powerful intersection of history, patriotism, and inspiration.

This article references reporting from Diplomatic Watch. For full coverage, visit https://diplomaticwatch.com/flying-tigers-descendants-gather-in-d-c-to-commemorate-80th-anniversary.