A faded wedding photograph discovered at the Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence evokes a story that transcends national boundaries, showing Richard Young, a close aide-de-camp to US General Joseph Stilwell, on his wedding day.

Stilwell served as commander of US forces in the China-Burma-India Theater from 1942 to 1944. He is fondly remembered as a hero who stood alongside the Chinese people in their fight against the Japanese invasion.

The image serves as a reminder of the intricate bonds forged between the American and Chinese people during the turbulent years of World War II, a connection echoed today as Stilwell's descendants visit Shanghai.

The delegation, including Stilwell's great-granddaughters Nancy Easterbrook Millward and Susan Mai Easterbrook Cole, retraced the steps of their ancestor, a man deeply admired for his dedication to the Chinese cause.

Their trip, beginning in Beijing and continuing to the wartime cities of Chongqing and Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, concluded in Shanghai. There, they explored the city's historical sites, paid tribute to Soong Ching Ling, and reaffirmed the enduring ties that bind the two nations.

"I was very pleased to see the photo of Richard Young at his marriage," said Nancy Millward during a visit to the Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence on Sept 7. "I know that Richard Yag had a deep relationship with Madame Soong Ching Ling, and that was connected with a relationship with General Stilwell."

The visit also featured a special exhibition highlighting the connection between Madame Soong and the Stilwell family, documented through valuable historical documents. These included letters, photographs, and even a copy of Madame Sun Reports, dedicated to Madame Soong by Stilwell's wife.

On Sept 3, Millward and Cole attended the V-Day parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

"It was quite an honor to attend the parade," Millward said. "I was thinking the whole time about how General Stilwell would feel seeing this wonderful military parade."

"He spent a lot of time with the Chinese soldiers during the war and had a lot of belief in them, and I think he would be so happy to see the success of the military all these years later."

The visit also included a stop at the China Welfare Institute Children's Palace, a site that resonated with the family's longstanding commitment to nurturing future generations.

Cole was deeply impressed by the palace. "It has been very impressive to see the children, to know that Madame Soong Ching Ling helped with this, and to give these children a path. It's very inspiring, and I am blown away by the diversity of talent that they have here."

Beyond the historical sites and cultural experiences, the trip carried a deeper meaning for the Stilwell family. "It is incredibly significant to continue the friendships that we have built over the years," Millward said. "I think people-to-people relationships are what will keep our two countries strong and involved with one another."