“Over the past 60 years, the people of Guidong
County, have quietly watched and tended the grave of Lieutenant
Upchurch, who has been a hero commanding their highest respect and
a symbol in their mind for everlasting pursuit of
peace.”
Source: Haung Renzhun, a representative from
the Foreign Affairs Office of the Hunan Provincial Government,
speaking about 2nd Lt. Robert Upchurch, a member of the famed
Flying Tigers, who was lost defending them, over 61 years ago. Mr.
Renzhun said that every year during “Tomb-Sweeping
Day,” local students and citizens voluntarily came to pay
their respects and lay wreaths and flowers at the tomb of the
unknown pilot. The grave was well-maintained until May 2005, the
date they disc