Chinese American Anna C. Chennault celebrates 91st birthday at UN headquarters

A party was organized at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday to celebrate the 91st birthday of Chinese American Anna Chan Chennault, or Chen Xiangmei, who was lauded here for her great efforts to push forward the China-U.S. relations.

Chen, who was born on June 23, 1925 in China, is the wife of late U.S. general Claire Lee Chennault who headed the wartime Flying Tigers pilots to fight against Japanese invaders in China during World War II.

"I am very happy and very proud to be here this noon to join you together," Chen said. "All we have done is for this country and my mother country."

"Happy birthday to you, Anna!" said Zhang Qiyue, Chinese consul general in New York, describing Chen as "a legendary figure" and "a formidable lady."

"She is well known not only in China and the United States, but also throughout the world," the Chinese ambassador said, and she thanked Chen for her great contribution to promoting the relations between China and the United States.

James Whitehead, chairman of the Flying Tiger Historical Organization, commended Chen for her diligence, dedication and determination in her work as a writer, poet and also as an activist in her efforts to further develop the China-U.S. ties.

Chen worked as a war correspondent from 1944 to 1948 and married Claire Lee Chennault, commander of U.S. 14th air fleet, in Shanghai. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1950.

In 1969, Chen was elected a member of the Republican National Finance Committee, and chairperson of the Republican National Heritage Council in 1979.

From 1981 to 1985, she worked as vice-chairperson of the White House Export Committee. Endit