Jul. 21, 2023
Harrisburg – State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) hosted a bridge dedication ceremony to honor local World War II hero, 2nd Lt. John H. Sterner. Sterner fought in the attack on Pearl Harbor, the invasion of Normandy and lost his life in Operation Varsity, the largest airborne operation in history to be conducted on a single day and in one location. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and a Normandy Invasion Citation.
“Today, as we honor the memory of 2nd Lt. Sterner, let us also remember those who lost their lives fighting alongside him and in the battles for freedom before and yet to come,” Grove said at the dedication. “From the grassy fields of Lexington and Concord; to the sands of the Kabul Airport and every bloody conflict in between, the actions of our American heroes continue to inspire us, reminding us of the strength which lies within each of us when we are united in purpose and dedicated to a just cause.
“Through designating the bridge carrying U.S. Route 30 over the Little Conewago Creek in his memory, it is my hope 2nd Lt. John H. Sterner’s courage will continue to serve as a shining example for generations to come, inspiring us to protect and cherish the hard-won freedoms which we enjoy today,” Grove concluded.