Tag Archives: Harriet Sturim

Gerald R. Ford Museum once again site of Four Chaplains service

January 26, 2018Citizen JournalismDochester, Four Chaplains, Gerald R. Ford President Museum, Harriet Sturim, Korean War, World War IIJoanne

For the past several years, Wyoming resident Harriet Sturim, through the American Legion Post 459, has helped to organize the Four Chaplains service at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. This Saturday, as the nation marks the 75th anniversary of these heroic men, Sturim will host her last program.

“It is time for someone to take the program to the next level,” Sturim said, adding that she has enjoyed the opportunity to remember the acts of the Four Chaplains.

One Feb. 3, 1943, Reformed Church Rev. Clark V. Poling, Rabbi Alexander D Goode and Methodist Rev. George L. Fox sacrificed themselves to save hundreds of soldiers on the U.S. Army transport Dorchester. A German U2 submarine fired onto ship, causing it to sink. The men kept everyone calm, handing our life preservers, including their own.

“Those who survived remember seeing them on the ship, arm-in-arm, singing as the ship went down,” Sturim said.

For many years, the National American Legion has encouraged posts across the nation to host a Four Chaplains Day event, something that Grand Rapids’ American Legion Post 459 has been doing for the past 14 years.

This year, the event is set for Saturday, Jan. 27, from noon-2 p.m.. It will focus on the story of the four chaplains, their friendship and sacrifice. Taking place at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW, the event will include a special memorial to Ret. U.S. Army Chaplain Herman Keizer, who died last year. Keizer would tell the story of the chaplains at the service and rightfully so, as the retired chaplain had dedicated his life to researching and educating people about the moral injury and recovery for military veterans.

“It will be a recognition of his service to us all these years,” Sturim said. “One of the greatest mentors I ever had. He was an incredible man in what he accomplished in his lifetime.”

Sturim noted that the United States is marking several anniversaries this year.

“This is a very big commemorative year as this is the 75th anniversary for the chaplains and World War II along with being the 50th anniversary of the Korean War,” Struim said.

Attendees for the event will include many veterans from those conflicts along with a special guest who is a relative of one of those who was on the Dorchester.

Refreshments will be served following the service. Sturim also noted the Ford Museum will be free to program attendees.

Wyoming Memorial Day Ceremony in Pictures

June 4, 2015Our Cities, Recreation, VeteransCity of Wyoming, Harriet Sturim, Memorial Day, Veteran's Memorial GardenJoanne

This past Memorial Day, the City of Wyoming held a ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW). The Lee High School band performed along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard, Bronson Swan. The newest arch for the Veteran’s Memorial Garden was recognized and couldn’t have been made possible without the Community Development Block Grant Funding.

“Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies are a tribute to the services of the armed forces. We are grateful to have a place in Wyoming where we can not only hold these ceremonies, but where people can honor and reflect, on any time, on those who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedoms,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services in the City of Wyoming.

WKTV’s Harriet Sturim, also the 5th District Auxillary Chaplain, was a guest speaker for the event. She gave an address entitled “Voice for our Veterans” and also took pictures to capture the essence of the ceremony.

Wyoming’s Landscape Sees Positive Changes

May 19, 2015Our CitiesHarriet Sturim, New Construction, WyomingJoanne

As a proud home owner in Wyoming since 1977, I am thrilled with all the new adventures and beginnings going on in the city. I think one of the best, and perhaps least known, is the new Veterans Clinic in Metro Village. Even if you are not a veteran, it’s worth your time to stop by and see this new and wonderful facility. The clinic is state-of-the-art on multiple levels. It’s a great resource to give our veterans the kind of care they need, and ultimately deserve, for their service of our country.

If you’d like to take a visit to tour the Veterans Clinic, just stop on by and talk to one of the clinic’s volunteers. They will be glad to give you a tour and information regarding the facility! If you have any interest in volunteering with the veterans, stop on by and ask. There are always volunteer opportunities for those who want it. Personally, I am there on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 8-noon.

The Veterans Clinic isn’t the only new thing is town. There is new construction around the city and new businesses as well! The awful, in my humble opinion, old Ponderosa building is being torn down and a brand new restaurant is being built in its place. Little Mexico restaurant will make a new home in front of the new turn on 28th St, which will be gone because of construction there. Please support this local business as they have decided to stay in Wyoming and add to the local opportunities that are available!

The new Wimsatt building off of 28th St.

Another great addition to 28th St. is the new Wimsatt business. For people who don’t know what they do (like me) they are in construction supply. So, to all those Wyoming construction people, check out the new local business right on 28th St.

Also the old GM plant on 36th St. has a new realtor with international connections. That is a positive development and seems to be a step in the right direction.

I am very proud of the city of Wyoming and how it is turning itself around to a vibrant business plan. We are a city of progress and it bodes well for the city’s future. Wyoming is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.