WWII pilot families lovingly resurrect lost lives

Family day

Weaver gave each Chinese visitor a copy of his book. "Today is not only a day of remembrance, but also a day of family, a day we want to acknowledge the death of an entire generation of Chinese and American pilots who fought in the war, who trained side by side, fought and died together," said Weaver.

The families also visited the memorial for all Thunderbird Field pilots who lost their lives.

Retracing the steps of their loved ones, the families got very emotional.

"I feel I can personally touch history," said Chen Xi. "So many years ago, a relative I have never met, who was younger than me right now. In this beautiful place, he might take a stroll with his classmates after dinner, discussing their training of the day.

"I feel a magical connection by being here. When I touch the planes, when I feel the texture of the steel, it seems that their young lives were somehow fused to the flying machines," said Chen in tears.

During the trip, news came from China that yet another pilot's family had been found. Ann Lee said she will continue to work with the Longyue Center to track down the families of the remaining 30 or so Chinese pilots.

Lee is also working on a book called Sealed Memories to tell the stories of the once forgotten pilots and their families.