The Arizona Chinese Historical Association held a new book launch

(Contributed by Zhang Zhaohong) On the evening of November 1st, the Arizona Chinese Historical Association used the Harbor Seafood Super Buffet restaurant...

(Contributed by Zhang Zhaohong) On the evening of November 1st, the Arizona Chinese Historical Association used the Harbor Seafood Super The independent restaurant of Buffet Restaurant held a book launch event for the fifth episode of "Pearl of the Desert" and an event to welcome the "Chinese History Film Crew to Phoenix". More than 30 people from all walks of life and community representatives, members of the historical photography crew, and members of the board of directors of the Arizona Chinese Historical Association participated in this event. Ms. Li An, the author of "Fifty-eight Uncles", and director Zhou Min of the Chinese photography team explained the purpose of this visit, which was mainly to find out the experiences of 58 Chinese Air Force personnel participating in military training and life in Arizona during World War II. Mr. Feng Zhong, who came specially from Wuxi, China, will go deep into the wild mountains with the film crew and members of the Phoenix Excursion Team to look for the wreckage of his uncle Fan Shaochang, a hero of the Air Force, who crashed during training 80 years ago. He even hopes to find the hero's relics. The Historical Association contacted Mrs. Guan Xiuyu, the 11th daughter of Guan Chongqiong, a local overseas Chinese leader who received the Chinese Air Force during World War II. She brought a large number of photos and information, and told many interesting historical stories about the interaction between the Guan family and the soldiers. During World War II, the second batch of soldiers from the Republic of China Air Force who came to the United States for training often went to the Guan family for gatherings during their spare time and gave many precious photos and information to the Guan family. This became an indispensable part of the training and life of the Air Force soldiers in that era and a historical confirmation. Group representatives participating in the book launch include: Arizona Chinese Historical Association Chairman Zhang Zhaohong, Secretary General Yu Minxin, board members Xie Wenyan and Zhuang Shuhua; Greater Phoenix Overseas Chinese Federation Chairman Deng Junquan and consultant Yu Wenze; Deng Hongyue, representative of Deng Gaomi Office; Yu Meilian, chairman of Yu Fengcaitang; Huang Clan Representative Huang Yicheng; former chairman of Longgang Friendship Office Liu Quanzhi; former chairman of the Chinese Restaurant Association of Alberta Zhang Huafang; veteran representative of the Military Association Yu Changcun; president of Phoenix Herald Sui Xuguang; academic representatives Lin Jian and Zhang Yonghang; cultural representative Zhou Yongxin, women's representative Zhang Meiling, hiking team leader Song Lei, etc. The Chinese Historical Association will present a new book of "Pearl of the Desert" to each attendee, and is open to sponsoring groups to provide new books to all members of its leadership team. The Chinese Historical Association's first new book launch was held on October 22 at the "Phoenix Night" in the East District of Phoenix City. New books were presented to advanced teachers and mainstream political dignitaries. This event was held in the West District to facilitate the travel of the old overseas Chinese in traditional overseas Chinese communities. The Arizona Chinese Historical Association would like to express its most heartfelt thanks to all groups and individuals who support and encourage the Historical Association!

>Group photo of guests participating in the book launch conference

From left: Feng Zhong, senior Guan Xiuyu, Li An, Zhang Zhaohong

From left: Zhang Zhaohong, Zhang Huafang and Zhou Director Min and the photography team took photos

In 2018, a delegation of martyrs of the Chinese Air Force visited Phoenix City. At that time, the Chinese military members of Phoenix City wore uniforms to welcome them. Five years later, veteran Yu Changcun participated in this event again in a wheelchair, which was very touching! "Old soldiers never die, they just wither!"