Museum to screen film about World War II pilot

Hawaii has had a long relationship with Chinese aviation, beginning with the first pilot’s license in the islands being issued to a local Chinese-American, and when the Pacific Aviation Museum opened in Pearl Harbor, it chose as its logo the image of the "Flying Tigers," the famed volunteer force of U.S. pilots who fought in China at the start of World War II.

At a reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the museum, the 15-minute documentary "Touching the Tigers" will have its public premiere. It was made by Madame Li Xiao­lin, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and daughter of former Chinese President Li Xiannian.

In addition to Li, other attendees include Gov. Neil Abercrombie, museum board chairman Adm. Ronald Hays and Air Force Gen. Gary North. The China Children’s Choir of Beijing will perform.

The film is the story of 14th Air Force pilot Lt. Glen Beneda, who was shot down in his 76th Fighter Squadron P-51B and wounded on his 81st mission on May 6, 1944. Rescued by Chinese farmers and soldiers, including Li Xiannian, he was carried to a U.S. air base for aid. It was the beginning of a long and fond attachment to the Chinese people. Beneda died a year ago, his ashes buried in China, and his family will be in attendance at the event.

Admission is $25 for museum members, $35 for nonmembers. Reservations are required by Sunday. Tickets are available at PacificAviationMuseum.org. The Ford Island shuttle and baggage storage at the Arizona Memorial will be extended for the evening so guests can ride to and from the museum.

For information, call 441-1007 or email Special­Events@PacificAviation­Museum.org.