In 2018, Susan Ozuk made her first-ever trip to Quzhou on the Chinese mainland, tracing the steps her father took 76 years ago. Charles Ozuk was one of the Doolittle Raiders who parachuted into this remote village after a daring 1942 mission, and he credits a brave local farmer with saving his life. The moment Susan met the farmer’s descendants was so emotional that tears flowed 🥲.
The Doolittle Raid marked the US's first airstrike in World War II and showed how courage and compassion can shine even in dark times. After leaving their planes behind, dozens of airmen landed in China and scattered across its eastern provinces. There, villagers hid many of them from enemy patrols, offering food, shelter, and hope.
For Susan, thanking the family in person brought history to life. She shared stories of her father’s bravery, and the farmer’s descendants shared old family photos and letters. Despite the decades that passed, their bond felt like a scene from an epic film—proof that acts of kindness leave a lasting legacy.
Today, this tearful reunion reminds us that across time and borders, human connections hold the power to heal and inspire. It’s a story of gratitude, history, and friendship that resonates with anyone who believes in the good we can do for each other.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
