Chongqing held a series of events on Tuesday to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the birth of US General Joseph Stilwell, a hero fondly remembered for fighting against the Japanese invasion side by side with the Chinese people.
The mega city in southwest China used to be a temporary wartime capital during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). The general's residence in Chongqing was converted into a museum dedicated to the American military leader and opened to the public in 1991.
Themed "Remember Our Shared Struggle for Peace, Carry on China-US People-to-People Friendship", the commemorations include a photo exhibition, a symposium, planting friendship trees and field visits in Chongqing.
Over 150 attendees, including representatives of Chinese and American governments, academia, businesses and media participated in the events, including his great-granddaughters, Susan Mai Easterbrook Cole and Nancy Easterbrook Millward.
The General's grandson John Easterbrook, an 82-year-old retired Army colonel, has helped the museum with exhibits throughout 17 visits to China. But he could not make it to the anniversary event this year due to health conditions. He addressed the audience via a video link at the opening ceremony of the symposium.
Chongqing holds a series of events on Tuesday to commemorate the 140th birthday of US General Joseph Stilwell. Susan Mai Easterbrook Cole (right) and Nancy Easterbrook Millward (second from right), his great-granddaughters, planted a friendship tree with Liu Ning (second from left) and Liu Yinna (left), the great-grandson and great-granddaughter of Chinese Liberation Army Commander Zhu De at the Chongqing Stiwell Museum on Tuesday morning. [Photo by Deng Rui/chinadaily.com.cn]
Joseph Stilwell (1883-1946), a four-star general of the US Army, visited China five times between 1911 and 1944 and lived in China for 12 years. After the outbreak of the Pacific War in December 1941, Stilwell served in many positions, such as the Chief of Staff of the Allied China Theater, the Commanding General of the United States Army Forces in the China-Burma-India Theater, and the American representative to the Allied War Councils in the China-Burma-India Theater. In these capacities, he supported the Chinese people's resistance against Japanese aggression and made important contributions to the final victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
On September 2, 2015, Stilwell was awarded the memorial medal for the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
He is the only US military leader who has a museum in China dedicated to him.
Chongqing holds a series of events on Tuesday to commemorate the 140th birthday of US General Joseph Stilwell. Family members of General Stilwell and Chinese Liberation Army Commander Zhu De pose for a group photo at the Chongqing Stilwell Museum on Tuesday morning. [By Deng Rui/chinadaily.com.cn]
Chongqing holds a series of events on Tuesday to commemorate the 140th birthday of US General Joseph Stilwell. "A Great Friend – Photo Exhibition on General Stilwell's Life" started at the Chongqing Stilwell Museum. The exhibition reveals General Stilwell's life and military career, presenting the audience with an impressive collection of nearly 200 photographs and over 60 items. [By Deng Rui/chinadaily.com.cn]
Chongqing holds a series of events on Tuesday to commemorate the 140th birthday of US General Joseph Stilwell. Susan Mai Easterbrook Cole and Nancy Easterbrook Millward, his great-granddaughters, and their family members visit a photo exhibition on General Stilwell's life at the Chongqing Stilwell Museum. [By Deng Rui/chinadaily.com.cn]
