The Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation has been working to organize the return of Flying Tigers veterans to China.

They were amazed by China's progress—its high-speed trains, huge airports, and towering skyscrapers—and felt proud of what they saw, said Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the foundation.

These veterans believe their efforts 80 years ago contributed to China's path to modernization.

Now, the Flying Tigers Friendship School program aims to strengthen people-to-people ties and help more Americans understand China.