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    2010 HIGHLIGHTS
     
     
    Chennault – Carter – Lei

     

    By Mary Warpeha, Co-President of the Minnesota Chapter
     
    These men influenced US – China relations over the years.  Read on to see how their lives were recently tied together.
     
    An invitation was extended by the China Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (Youxie) to US-China Peoples Friendship Association members Joyce Cox, Linda Hanley, Rosemary Thompson, Stanley Yon and Mary Warpeha to attend a ceremony in Zhijiang, Hunan on September 6, 2010.  This invitation was to present a fantastic lesson and moment in history for us all. 
     
    We were guests of Chinese Peoples Committee for Friendship with Foreign Countries - Youxie - attending the 2010 International Peace Festival in Zhijiang, Hunan.   This year’s theme was a celebration of US efforts to protect the people of China during World War II by memorializing an American hero, General Claire Lee Chennault, with a statue in the Peace Park. 
     
    Our destination city of Zhijiang has been the base for Chinese and American air operations against the Japanese and was also the site of the eventual Japanese surrender to China.  This dedication marked the 65th anniversary of the surrender.
     
    US General Claire Lee Chennault had a tumultuous career in the US military and after retiring in 1937 traveled to China to be an air advisor to the Kuomintang Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek in the war against the increasingly aggressive Japanese.  The Chinese Air Force was losing its battle in the skies and Soviet bomber and fighter squadrons took over but were not affecting against the strong Japanese air attacks.  In 1941 Chennault was successful in procuring a promise from the US War Department and President Roosevelt to deliver shipments of P-40C fighters with necessary pilots, mechanics, and aviation supplies. Roosevelt authorized Curtiss P-40 Tomahawks under the American Lend-Lease Program.  Chennault was able to recruit 300 American pilots and ground crew who were notorious as adventurers and/or mercenaries to enlist in what was to become known as the Flying Tigers. 
     
    Under Chennault’s guidance they developed into a crack fighting unit always going against superior Japanese forces.  They were based in Burma, Yunnan and Hunan and became famous for their “defensive pursuit”.  Chennault was also commander of the Chinese air training school.  Following Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Flying Tigers were formally incorporated into the American Army Air Force and given appropriate rank. 
     
    The remainder of the Chennault story is fascinating and can be read in books, magazines and, of course on the internet.  He stayed an advocate of anti-communism, had two marriages and ten children – one wife was a young Chinese reporter who became influential in lobby circles of Washington.  For a brief quick introduction see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claire_Lee_Chennault.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_tigers
     
    Now on to Carter – that is - Former President Jimmy Carter.  President Carter has had his eye on China since childhood when Baptist Ministers on their return from missions told of the poverty of the people.  He was a naval officer outside the Shanghai harbor prior to the start of World War II.  While in office as the 39th President of the USA, he worked diligently to continue the normalization of relations with China.  In 2002 he received a Nobel Peace Prize.  Following his political career, Carter created the Carter Center with its mission of : Waging Peace.  Fighting Disease.  Building Hope. 
     
    On September 6, 2010, Mr. Carter was in Zhijiang, Hunan by the invitation of Ms. Li Xiaolin, Vice Chair of the China Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.  On this day he participated in the 2010 Zhijiang International Peace Festival.  During ceremonies held in the 110 degree September sun, Mr. Carter and Festival officials unveiled a stunning statue of General Claire Lee Chennault and planted trees in a garden at the memorial site.  In the audience were Chinese representatives of the National People’s Congress, Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Beijing Aviators Association, Party Committee of the Hunan Peoples Congress, Information Office of People’s Government of Hunan, Foreign Affairs Office and Friendship offices of Hunan, a huge contingent of media from all over China. 
     
    In addition to the five USCPFA members, the US was represented by President Jimmy and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, administration of the Carter Center, US Consul General from Wuhan, scholars of US-China relations, Flying Tigers and their families and Nell Calloway, Chennault’s granddaughter.  The published guest list included 319 names – and that did not include the security guards from both countries.    You can read President Carter’s personal report of his recent trip at http://www.cartercenter.org/news/trip_reports/china-090410.html.  http://www.cartercenter.org/homepage.html
     
     
     
    And then there is Lei – Changsha Master Sculptor Lei Yixin.  Upon entering the Chennault Memorial grounds, one sees this large veiled statue looming 15 feet high against the backdrop of photos of Chennault, the Flying Tigers and Beijing Aviators and the children of China.  When the event programs are distributed and the honors are read over the loud speaker, to my amazement I learned that Master Lei Yixin was the sculptor for this important historic commemoration of American commitment to the Chinese people.  Though Mr. Lei and I had no time to talk as the security guards herded us around, we did have time for a photo.
     
    Minnesotans know Mr. Lei very well. He was the sculptor representing China in the MinnesotaRocks! program sponsored by Public Art St. Paul in 2006.  His creation, “Meditation” stands strong today in Phalen Regional Park in St. Paul.  Mr. Lei Yixin was in St. Paul summer 2010 with a delegation of 15 Hunan officials and artists.  A special exhibition entitled “Harmonious Hunan” was held at the College of Visual Arts in July during the visit.  Mr. Lei will become recognized nationally when the memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is installed in the National Mall in Washington in October.  Mr. Lei was contacted for this commission while working in St. Paul on the Public Art St. Paul project.  Learn about Mr. Lei at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lei_Yixin and view progress on the Memorial at http://www.mlkmemorial.org/.
     
     
    Chinese and American guests at the unveiling
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Mary Warpeha and Lei Yixin at the unveiling
     

     

     
    JUNE BOARD MEETING AND SUMMER PICNIC
    (Margaret grilled her luscious Mongolian beef)
    and hosting of a
    MAYORAL DELEGATION FROM LOUDI, HUNAN
    ALL USCPFA-MN MEMBERS ARE INVITED.
     
    DELEGATION VISITING FROM CHANGSHA
    and
    ART EXHIBITION - July 8-18
    Mr. Lei Yixin, sculptor for the Minnesota Rocks! project of Public Art St. Paul has recruited a delegation of 23 people interested in the arts to visit St. Paul during their US tour.
     
    The delegates are from the City of Changsha and Province of Hunan.  They will also be visiting the National Mall in Washington DC to view the installation of the Martin Luther King Memorial which Lei Yixin designed and fabricated. 
     
    ART EXHIBITION - July 8-18
    "Harmonious Hunan" in Painting, Calligraphy and Photography
     
    Master Lei Yixin will display his latest accomplishments.
    Led by Master Lei, six of China's national renowned artists will present their award winning art works.
     
    Featured Artists -
    view their works at http://www.cva.edu/gallery/detail.php?ID=72
    Lei Yixin
    He Manzong
    Zhu Xunde
    Zhang Liping
    Hu Liwei
    Cao Mingqiu
     
    Please join us to host lunch for this group on Sunday, July 18 (time and location TBD).
    Check this website for an update or contact uscpfa_mn@hotmail.com to make a reservation.
     
    A public invitation is extended to attend a reception in their honor from 4:00 to 6:00
    on the same day, Sunday, July 18 at the College of Visual Arts.
    The College of Visual Arts Gallery is located at 173 Western Avenue North in St. Paul
    on the corner of Western and Selby avenues.
    SUMMER HOURS
    Wednesday and Friday
    12 – 6 p.m.
    Thursday
    12 – 8 p.m.
    Saturday
    12 – 4 p.m.
    Partners
    Saint Paul Mayors Office
    College of Visual Arts
    Public Art Saint Paul
    US-China Peoples Friendship Association of Minnesota
    THIRD ANNUAL MINNEAPOLIS SISTER CITY CELEBRATION
    Sunday, July 18 from 1:00-4:00 PM
    Nicollet Island Pavilion
     
    USCPFA-Minnesota will be co-hosting this event with a table for information and a PowerPoint slide show highlighting Harbin . 
    It is free and open to the public. 
    There will be entertainment from representatives of all eight of
    Minneapolis' Sister Cities. 
     
    Join in the fun and have a lick of ice cream on the Island.
     
     
    KEEP IN TOUCH
    www.uscpfa-mn.org                      uscpfa_mn@hotmail.com
     
    Interested in receiving email notices of the Minnesota Chapter’s activities? 
    Spending an evening with visiting business or government officials?
     
    We Celebrated the Beginning of the
    Year of the Tiger
     
     
    120 guests gathered on Sunday, February 21, 2010
    5:00 Gathering  5:30 Dinner  7:00 Program
     
    Grand Szechuan Restaurant
    10602 France Avenue South in Bloomington
    Chinese New Year Banquet Program
       5:00 Social Hour
       5:30 Welcome & Dinner
          Walter Graff & Mary Warpeha, Co-Presidents USCPFA-MN
       Emcees:  Margaret Wong   Linda Mealey-Lohmann
     
       7:00 Program
           Zhao Ben, Musician & Educator
           “Living and Working in Beijing"  Gregory Buteyn, Ernst & Young
     
       Closing Song:
           友谊地久天长 - Auld Lang Syne
     
    A special thank you to our Table Sponsors
    Gregory & Vivien Buteyn
    Ernst & Young
    Confucius Institute
    (University of Minnesota)
    MENU:
    Appetizers:  Szechuan Cucumbers, Bamboo Shoots in Chili Sauce, Szechuan Dan Dan mian, Dechuan Lotus Roots
    Entres:  Beef Chow Fun, Cumin Lamb, Chung King Chili Chicken, Chinese Shredded Pork with Rice Cake, Sweet & Sour Fish Fillet
    Veggie Dishes:  Szechuan Green Beans, Home Style Tofu, Shredded Potato with Green Peppers, Stir Fried Pea Tips
    Dessert: Sesame Rice Balls
     
    USCPFA-Minnesota Board Members present at this celebration beginning top left:
    Christopher Hang, Dr. Yongwei Zhang, Ben Zhou, Wen Li, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, C. J. Liu, Mindy Ratner, Glynnis Hirschberger, Lower Left:  Judith Swanholm, Margaret Wong, Walter Graff, Mary Warpeha, Jennie Hsiao
     
    Emcees for the evening:  Margaret Wong and Linda Mealey-Lohmann
     
     
     
     
    _________________________________________________________
    The 19th Washington Seminar on U.S.-China Relations: Strategic Dialogues
    Shared Vision for the Next 30 Years
     
    April 22 & 23, 2010 Thursday & Friday 9 am-8 pm
    Sponsored by the US-China Peoples Friendship Association – www.uscpfa.org
     
    PURPOSE: To provide a forum to consider issues relevant to relations between the
    United States and China through discussion with experts at the leading edge of U.S.-China relations
     
    WHO SHOULD ATTEND the Seminar: All people who envision a better future in U.S.-China relations
    through economic development, cultural interaction and social networking
    Meetings will be held at this hotel. If lodging here, make your reservations soon.
     
    Washington Plaza Hotel phone: 202-842-1300 or 1-800-992-2694
    10 Thomas Circle NW (between Vermont Avenue and M St.)
    Washington, D.C. 20005
     
    HOTEL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY MARCH 22, 2010
    Special Rate: $159+tax per night for Standard room for 1 or 2 people;
    $20 for each additional person
    Superior rooms start at $179+tax per room/per night for 1 or 2 persons;
    $20 for each additional person
    Indicate your association with US-China Peoples Friendship Association’s
    Washington Seminar when reserving
    Secure with major credit card—Rates valid 2 days before/after the seminar
     
    SEMINAR REGISTRATION: Make check payable to USCPFA National
    (Registration does not include hotel accommodations. See above.)
    USCPFA members, $175 until April 1; after that, $200
    Non-members, $200; $225 after April 1
    Registration for those above includes: * Registration packet *Entrance to all seminar events
    *Transportation to some sites *Lunch on Thursday and Friday *Presentation by China experts,
    diplomats, and Chinese officials *Program subject to change
     
    Student registration: $20: For seminar speaker sessions at the hotel only
    (does not include hotel accommodations, meals, trips, or special events)
    Use the form below or follow these guidelines:
    Send check or money order to Kitty Trescott, 1214 W. Schwartz, Carbondale IL 62901.
     
    Please include name, address, phone, e-mail address and USCPFA chapter and/or region.
    PLUS, to enter State Department, U.S. citizens include driver’s license number and state of issue.
    Foreign nationals must include country of citizenship and passport number.
    Questions may be directed to Kitty Trescott at 618-549-1555, or email: trescott@midwest.net
     
    Seminar Registration Form
    Send with seminar fees to Kitty Trescott, 1214 W. Schwartz, Carbondale IL 62901.
    Name____________________________________ E-mail __________________________
    Mailing address ______________________________ Phone ________________________
    City _______________________State_________Zip________Chapter/Region__________
    For U.S. State Department visit, provide this information now. BRING photo ID to event.
    (U.S. citizen) Driver’s license # _________________________________State issued __
    Non-U.S. citizen) Passport # ______________________Country of citizenship
     
     
     
    CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 2010
    WISHES FOR THE SKY
    Public Event SUNDAY, APRIL 25
    HARRIET ISLAND* SAINT PAUL
    Volunteering is easy and fun. Help our community honor Earth Day and celebrate the arrival of spring. Wishes for the Sky is a free public art event that celebrates inner harmony and community peace. Be a part of this annual day of collective wishing!

    *RAIN or SHINE. In case of flood check website for alternate location.
     
     
    Make a wish
    Make public art and zero waste
    Help needed April 24-25
    Variety of times and tasks
    Easy, online sign-up
     
     
    Be a VOLUNTEER for Earth Day
     Click link above for Volunteer Spot website
    Questions?     wishes@graceminnesota.org
     and DONATIONS accepted at GiveMN.org
     
    For more information visit: wishesforthesky.org
    Wishes for the Sky is created by Marcus Young and Friends in partnership with Public Art Saint Paul, Eureka Recycling, Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, and Grace Minnesota; with generous support from Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op, Minnesota Kite Society, Pioneer Press, Chinese American Association of Minnesota, Families with Children from China, Sundays Energy, Apres Party & Tent Rentals, Big Ink Display Graphics, Dero Bike Racks, Capitol River Council, Namaste Caf, Flannery Construction, Roark Kramer Kosowski Design, Springboard for the Arts, and many others; with funding from Metropolitan Regional Arts Council from an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature.
     
    EMERGENCY RESPONSE DELEGATION FROM SHAANXI PROVINCE VISITS
     
    Christopher Hang, Board Member and volunteer host for this delegation, reported that the group was very, very pleased with their experiences in Minnesota on January  29.  Though they had less than 24 hours in the Twin Cities, they made good use of the time. 
     
    Their first visit was to the City of Minneapolis Emergency Preparedness Center with a presentation by Rocco Forte, Director.  Mr. Forte gave a PowerPoint presentation on federal, state, county, city programs and their coordination.  A video of the 35W bridge collapse and emergency response was included.  Mr. Forte was invited to visit Xian later this year to participate in the Province's Emergency Preparedness conference.  Arrangements for the Minneapolis visit were made by Jenny Chayabutr of the City of Minneapolis Intergovernmental Relations Department, Office of Grants and Special Projects.  Thanks to Bill Deef and Yuko Myamoto at Meet Minneapolis for the initial suggestion for this visit.
     
    The second stop was  NECHAMA - the Jewish Response Center to Disaster at its Operations Center in Eden Prairie.  Todd Cytron, President and Todd Heilicher, Immediate Past President were hosts.  This is an NGO, non-profit religious organization serving disaster victims through the USA,  The delegation was impressed with the non-profit volunteer nature of this organization.  Their visit included a hands-on trip through the garage and storage buildings. Thanks Margaret Wong for the initial suggestions of a visit to NECHAMA. 
     
    After a quick visit to Mall of America, the delegation flew off to their next stop. 
     
    Thanks to all who participated in introducing officials from our Sister Province to our emergency procedures.
     
    DELEGATION MEMBERS INCLUDED:
    Mr. Zhang, Xiaoning
    Director General of the Emergency Responding Office of Shaanxi Provincial Government, China  
    Mr. Mi, Weixin
    Deputy Director of the Emergency Responding Office of Xi’an Municipal Government, China 
    Mr. Ma, Guanghui
    Director of the Emergency Responding Office of the Department of Public Health of Shaanxi Provincial Government, China  
    Mr. Gong, Jiantong
    Deputy Director of the Duty Office of the Department of Transportation of Shaanxi Provincial Government, China 
    Mr. Ban, Hui
    Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shaanxi Provincial Government, China 
    Ms. Liu, Ruonan
    Staff member of the Emergency Responding Office of Shaanxi Provincial Government, China 
     
    DELEGATION FROM HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE
     
     
    In January, a delegation of officials from the far northeastern agricultural sector of Heilongjiang Province visited Minnesota, Iowa, and Idaho at the invitation of Ten Square International.  Following a tour of local farm and equipment resources, they attended a potato convention in Idaho.  The group above includes (second from left) Li Yaowu Vice Director of Geqiushan Farm, Seth Naeve, soybean agronomist at the U of MN, Mary Spangler, USDA Farm Service Agency, Kit Spangler, Director of Marketing and Sales of Ten Square International, Kurt Markham, Director of Agricultural Marketing Services of the MN. Dept of Agriculture, Mary Warpeha, Co-President of USCPFA-MN, Ren Hong Bin, Delegation leader and Division Chief of Agricultural Machinery, Hua Sun, Bioscience specialist and interpreter, Zhang Yuqing, Section Chief Engineer.
     
     
    USCPFA Minnesota Chapter
    info@uscpfa-mn.org
    Copyright 2003