Ep 3. Great Alaskan Earthquake

We'll Meet Again is a heartwarming Emmy-nominated series that explores the emotional reunions of people whose lives were changed by pivotal moments in history. Hosted by acclaimed journalist Ann Curry, each episode of the show follows people who have been separated for decades as they attempt to reconnect with someone from their past.

In season 2 episode 3 entitled "Great Alaskan Earthquake," Ann Curry meets two survivors of the devastating earthquake that shook Alaska on March 27, 1964. The earthquake, which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale, remains the most powerful earthquake in North American history and caused massive destruction across the state.

The episode begins with Ann Curry traveling to Alaska to meet Mary Ricks, a retired nurse who was working at the Valdez Hospital when the earthquake struck. Mary was just 25 years old when the earthquake hit, and she vividly remembers the chaos and devastation that followed. The Valdez Hospital was completely destroyed, and Mary spent many hours tending to the injured and traumatized patients who were brought to the makeshift hospital that was set up in the town's elementary school.

Despite the horror of the earthquake, Mary's memories are also filled with moments of kindness and humanity that she witnessed in the aftermath of the disaster. In particular, Mary remembers a young boy who was badly injured and in desperate need of medical attention. With no doctors available, Mary took charge and began to treat the boy's injuries despite having no experience with serious trauma. Miraculously, the boy survived, and Mary has always wondered what became of him.

Ann Curry sets out to help Mary track down the boy, whose name is Randy. With the help of Mary's son and daughter-in-law, they use clues from Mary's memories to try to locate Randy and reunite him with the nurse who saved his life over 50 years ago.

The second half of the episode follows Ann Curry to Kodiak Island, where she meets Robert Mangus, a former Coast Guard officer who was stationed on the island during the earthquake. Robert was one of the first responders to the disaster, and he vividly recalls the terrifying experience of being caught in one of the most powerful earthquakes in history.

Despite the chaos and destruction, Robert found hope in the midst of the tragedy. In particular, he was inspired by the bravery of his fellow Coast Guard officers, who risked their lives to help rescue people who were stranded and injured in the aftermath of the earthquake. Among the people Robert worked to rescue was a young Native Alaskan girl named Annette, who was stranded on a remote island with no food or shelter. Robert and his fellow officers were able to airlift Annette to safety, but he has always wondered what became of her.

Ann Curry helps Robert try to track down Annette and reunite with the girl whose life he helped save so many years ago. Along the way, they uncover surprising details about Annette's life and discover how the earthquake affected her family and community.

In the end, both Mary and Robert are able to reunite with the people from their pasts, and the emotional reunions are captured in moving and heartwarming moments. We'll Meet Again season 2 episode 3 is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the lasting impact of small acts of courage and kindness.