Ma Kuanchi, vice-president of the Flying Tiger Historical Organization in the United States, remembers moving reunions that took place between American veterans and their Chinese wartime rescuers. They stood up, saluted and embraced one another with tears in their eyes — and that's true friendship, Ma said.

Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, emphasized the importance of cooperation embodied by this shared history, speaking at the gathering. He announced plans to bring more American students to Flying Tiger friendship schools in China next year to enhance their understanding of WWII history and people-to-people bonds.

The exhibition opened on Sunday and features over 1,000 items, many of which were donated from China or the United States. Entrance will be free for the public long-term.