I can also attest to the impact of Larry Martin's programs. Last month he presented two weeks in a row via Zoom for the Northville District Library about the service of Bill Ingram, who enlisted in Navy about six months before the U S was drawn into WWII on his 17th birthday in June of 1941. The first evening we heard about all of the fighting Bill did aboard the Houston in the first three months of 1942 before it sank on March 1, 1942. The second part featured Bill's interview about his three and a half years of captivity in Burma and Thailand on the “Death Railway” or Burma/Thailand Railroad, which inspired the 1957 movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” His experiences are really remarkable!

The event was well-attended and much appreciated. Bill Ingram's son also joined us as well as a WWII nurse, whom Larry had invited. These are special opportunities for us to hear from those who served and Larry is a passionate advocate who reminds us of their sacrifices.

Wendy Mutch
Northville District Library

From: "michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
To: "michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 12:09:45 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Larry Martin "In Their Own Words" Program Success

Larry Martin visited the Howard Miller Library in Zeeland last Thursday evening to present the story of Fred Bahlau, a paratrooper from the 101st Airborne.  Fred has been gone for 5 years now, but his story and those of 124 other WWII veterans interviewed by Larry Martin lives on.  We had 35 people in a room that is designed to hold 150 people, so everyone was able to be socially distanced from one another.  While we met in person, I know that Larry has successfully presented virtual programs for several other libraries in Michigan.

 

This program was so well received by those in attendance.  In fact, many of those who participated are asking when we can have Larry return.  His knowledge of WWII and dedication to preserving first-person accounts for future generations is incredible.

 

I would highly recommend Larry for a future program at your library.

 

Heather Wood-Gramza

Director

Howard Miller Library and Community Center

14 S Church St, Zeeland, MI 49464

 

hwood-gramza@cityofzeeland.com

616.748.5901

 


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