SEATTLE — On Sept. 13, 2025, the Museum of Flight presents the premiere screening of a new documentary about the Flying Tigers, the American Volunteer Group in China during World War II.
“Their Memory Lives” uses archival photographs and video interviews with descendants of the AVG pilots and support crews to provide an intimate look at the small cadre of 100 volunteer American pilots and a multinational support group that were assembled in China before the Japanese attack upon Pearl Harbor, and helped stem Japanese invasions of southern China in early 1942, according to museum officials.
Following the one-hour screening there will be a discussion with the filmmakers and several descendants of the Flying Tigers shown in the film.
The 2 p.m. program is free with admission to the museum.
The museum also has a permanent exhibition devoted to the Flying Tigers that includes a P-40 Warhawk fighter aircraft and dozens of artifacts.
About Their Memories Lives
Lydia Rossi, widow of Flying Tiger ace pilot Dick Rossi and executive director of the American Volunteer Group Flying Tigers which sponsored the video production, said that 20 of the pilots in their brief seven months of combat became aces, a distinction realized by five or more kills of enemy aircraft.
She added that The Museum of Flight was picked for the premiere because of its professional display of artifacts from World War II and specifically the AVG, many of which were donated by members of the Flying Tiger community.
Jerry Kalman, the documentary’s producer, said the film’s compelling remembrances from relatives of some of the Flying Tigers not only highlight significant moments of the critical deployment of that small group of Americans and Chinese led by Claire Lee Chennault, but they also afford personal glimpses into what they encountered during the early days of World War II.
He points out that at a time when relationships between these two global superpowers are fragile, this important oral history reminds us of when our two countries cooperated in stemming the advance of fascism in south Asia.
The American Volunteer Group Flying Tigers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the image of the Flying Tigers and educating the public about the pilots and ground crew who helped the Chinese government protect southern China from the Japanese. The organization is made up of family members and friends of the original 300 men and women who flew and maintained the P-40 Tomahawk/Warhawk aircraft during World War II.
For more information: MuseumOfFlight.org, FlyingTigersAVG.com
The subject of China can’t be legitimately discussed without some consideration to the history of China /US relations prior to World War 2. This is best discussed using the AVG Flying Tigers as a starting point. The Flying Tiger Association has long led the cheers for these wonderful Americans, but in tandem with that there is a wealth of knowledge to be gleaned by the study of Chennault , Chiang and Madame Kaishek and the aftermath of China. The FTA understands this better than most anyone in Washington DC presently. It is imperative that we Americans know why, how, and when—if we are to look to the future and ensure that a prosperous and healthy relationship between these two nations is maintained in the best interest of both parties.
The Japanese Imperial Army killed over 200,000 Chinese, because most of the Doolittle Raiders escaped their grasp. Millions of Chinese died from 1931 to 1945, because of war with Japan. It is yet another chapter of History that has been largely forgotten. The Great Plains Wing of the Commemorative Air Force has labored, like other museums, to preserve these records and educate Americans about the AVG, and the 14th Air Force that followed our Flying Tigers. [email protected]
We’re at CBF IA irport – Hangar B
Coming About: In Support of the Flying Tigers
The story of the Flying Tigers is more than just a chapter in the history of World War II—it is a timeless lesson in courage, sacrifice, and international friendship. In the skies over China, at a moment when freedom and survival itself hung in the balance, these volunteers stepped forward, not out of obligation, but out of a sense of duty to a cause greater than themselves. With shark-toothed P-40 Warhawks roaring through the clouds, the Flying Tigers embodied the spirit of determination against overwhelming odds.
Supporting the Flying Tigers organization today is about far more than preserving history—it is about carrying forward the values that defined them. Their example reminds us of the power of unity, of bridging nations and cultures to resist oppression and defend what is right. Their legacy is one of innovation, daring, and resilience, and it remains just as relevant in our uncertain world as it was eight decades ago.
By honoring the Flying Tigers, we affirm our commitment to remembering those who gave everything for liberty, while also inspiring future generations to learn from their bravery. Whether through education, outreach, or the preservation of artifacts and stories, the organization ensures that the sacrifices made are never forgotten.
I stand in support of the Flying Tigers organization and its mission. Their legacy continues to soar as a beacon of freedom, courage, and international friendship—and it deserves the recognition, respect, and support of all who believe in those endearing ideals.
Would like to see other flying organizations help bring this documentary to mainstream movie theaters, for one day coast to coast, “lest we forget”. After seeing China’s display for the 85th Anniversary, eliminating American involvement, such as the AVG, American Volunteer Group, who were helping China before the US got officially into the war, people, especially here, would benefit from a first hand history lesson. Most schools do not teach this in US History, and if so, we all could use a refresher on real life role models, who were outnumbered, flying aircraft that could be out-maneuvered, short on parts/supplied, and stared death in its face trying to save China on their soil. Back then the Chinese people were very grateful….and in another case, the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, the Chinese people who helped save many of the crew when they crash landed fromrunning out of fuel after the raid, paid with their lives. The Japanese killed hundreds to teach the Chinese a lesson. I am hoping our flying clubs and organizations can help sponsor this film to be shown in local theaters. Can we make this happen with the AVG Flying Tigers Association? They have a great website. I encourage you to take a look. It’s an easy search.