Commemorative gala evokes emotion for cast and audiences

During Wednesday evening's gala at the Great Hall of the People, a poignant moment unfolded as a big LED screen displayed portraits of international friends who stood with the Chinese people through the country's 14-year arduous struggle against Japanese aggression.

In the audience, John Newkirk suddenly recognized the face of his uncle, John van Kuren Newkirk, among those projected on stage.

Overcome with emotion, he was moved to tears.

Van Kuren Newkirk was a United States naval aviator and squadron leader with the 1st American Volunteer Group, also known as the Flying Tigers. He led the group's 2nd Pursuit Squadron on many missions over China. In 1942, while leading a mission in Lamphun, Thailand, he was shot down and killed in action.

His nephew was invited to Beijing to attend a series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Wednesday's gala was one of these events.

"It was spectacular," he said of the gala. "I'm so grateful to the Chinese people for remembering and acknowledging the contributions that we all made together. The Chinese people fought with courage, strength and honor alongside the American Volunteer Group to achieve victory. This was a wonderful celebration."

With its epic narrative, heartfelt stories and genuine emotional depth, the gala received widespread praise and deeply moved both the live and online audiences.

Structured into five thematic sections, the production featured a diverse range of artistic performances, including singing, dancing, stage plays, poetry recitations and acrobatics.