On September 5, Jiangxi Daily launched a full-page report “The rescue in 1942》, bringing the story of Doolittle's operation in Shangrao rescue back to the public's sight. As the first special exhibition in Jiangxi Province reflecting the rescue of Doolittle Operation, the special exhibition “Friendship forged by Blood and Fire – Duolittle Operation Shangrao Rescue” is also currently being exhibited in the Shangrao Museum.
In 1942, the land of Shangrao, Jiangxi witnessed the heroic act of the people of China and the United States to work together to fight the fascism. This friendship forged by blood and fire has been baptized over the years and has become more and more precious and worthy of our eternal memory and deep thought.
“Operation Doolittle” is an important node in reversing the situation of the Pacific War. After the US military bombed Japan's mainland, some planes crashed in Jiangxi and Zhejiang due to poor communication and insufficient fuel. The military and civilians of Shangrao ignored the threat of the Japanese army and made every effort to rescue the US pilots who were parachuting. The rescue operations cover four provinces: Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian and Anhui. In Jiangxi, from Langbu Village, Poyang County, to Wufu Mountain in Shangrao, to Yushan County and Yihuang County, Chinese military and civilians either took the risk of leading the way, provided food, or assisted in the transfer. In half a month, Chinese military and civilians finally created the miracle of “save the soldier Doolittle” with their simple kindness and humanitarian spirit – 64 of the 75 people arriving in China were rescued, of which 22 were rescued in Jiangxi alone. This is not only a simple rescue, but also a common protection for justice and peace by people of different countries in the dark moments. True love is revealed in times of adversity, and under the cruel test of the war, the military and civilians of Shangrao and the US military pilots formed a deep friendship.
Behind the Shangrao rescue operation, the humanitarian spirit and unity and cooperation power across national borders are demonstrated. At that time, China was invaded by Japan and was in a difficult situation, but it still extended a helping hand to the US military without hesitation. This great love transcends the barriers of race, nationality and language, and interprets the unity of mankind in the face of a common enemy. At the same time, the rescue operation is not something that can be done by one person. From ordinary villagers to local officials, from civil forces to military support, all parties have worked closely together to make the rescue successful. This is a vivid manifestation of “people are united and the mountains of Tai move.”
▲The oil painting “Father and the Guangfeng Villagers who rescued him” by Thomas Marcia, a member of the Children's Association of “Operation Doritt” in the United States
Remembering that Doolittle's operation to rescue in Shangrao has important revelations for the present. On the one hand, it always reminds us that peace is hard-won and is exchanged for countless people with their lives and blood. Nowadays, the international situation is complex and changeable, and we should cherish peace and firmly oppose any form of war and conflict. On the other hand, it inspires us to inherit the spirit of international friendship and cooperation. In today's globalization, countries are increasingly close in contact. Faced with global problems, such as climate change and public health crises, we can overcome difficulties together.
History is the best textbook, and the Dulite operation to rescue Shangrao is a touching chapter. It allows us to see the beauty of human nature and the power of unity. We should remember this history, sow the seeds of peace and friendship in our hearts, let the friendship forged by blood and fire be passed down from generation to generation, and let the light of peace across time and space always illuminate the path forward for mankind.
(Liu Shiliang)
