The Black Suitcase Mystery Event, a WWII Remembrance

Hello, My name is Karry Johnson Regent Coos Bay Chapter the Coos Bay Chapter is honored to sponsor The Black Suitcase Mystery, a WWII Remembrance event. This event is presented by Gail Elliott Downs she inherited her great aunt black suitcase filled with letters, newspaper articles and memories of George Elliott Rich. Gail, was a librarian back in Missouri, a fifth grade teacher asked Gail if she knew any genealogy. The next day Gail brought the black suitcase to the fifth grade class and the journey began. Took 4 years with the help from Gail, the fifth grade teacher and students to finish this remarkable journey. George was shot down as a crew member on a B-24 Liberator over the ocean, he was newly married to Wanda. Gail found Wanda and connected through this journey. The students learned about WWII, what happen to George and meeting Wanda. Gail, has been on TV, newspaper, VFW magazine and is mentioned in President Clinton Memorial Speech, at Arlington Cemetery. This event is a story of young love separated by war - reunited by death.