Reading Unbroken made me interested in reading about Roger's Uncle Osburn, who was killed when his B-29 crashed on take-off from China on a bombing mission to Japan. I've spent some time reading his biography, which includes many of the letters he sent home during his thirty months of training. So much to learn about his life, family, friends, and military comrades. So sad to read the longings of his parents, brothers, and sisters after his death.
When I was at the Whiteley Women's Weekend, Joan Jackson told a story about her daughter Christine, Osburn, and a Chinese museum. I wrote Christine to get the details. Here is her reply:
"Hi Linda! Nice to hear from you. I LOVE having a family so big that there's a cousin in every corner of the world. It's been really nice to meet Steve and Annie. The museum hasn't been open very long--since 2009. My husband works for the consulate, and I was talking with someone at the consulate whose great uncle was also a pilot here in China during WWII and I told him about Osburn. He told me about a memorial located in a city called Nanjing that is dedicated to foreign aviators who died in the fight against Japan. I passed along Osburn’s information. Our friend wanted to visit the museum, so he proposed it to the Public Affairs section chief. She told him they would be in Nanjing for a visit, so they decided to visit the memorial and then asked my husband Doug to go along. The consul General decided to join and make it in an official visit. As it turned out, Doug went out and gave a speech at the museum and gave them Osburn’s information. It was a great diplomatic opportunity and a really nice chance to remember family who died here in China supporting freedom. I was glad he could do it, and it has also given me a chance to reread a bit about Osburn in his book. Those letters from his mother, especially after he died and she didn't know... man! So sad. I guess growing up makes you reflect a bit more on what your ancestors did ( :"
We've got lots of people to be grateful for. Love, Mom
Thanks, Mom! So interesting. Went to a funeral for a WWII bomber in our ward yesterday. Made me think of all the years Osburn could have lived. I would love to read those letters from his mom.
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