GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Beginning on Sept. 1, Grand Rapids and West Michigan will become host to the Greatest Generation Celebration — a weeklong recognition of World War II veterans 80 years after Japan’s surrender.
“This is the last time some of these wonderful people from the Greatest Generation are going to be alive,” Joel Westphal, organizer of the Greatest Generation Celebration, said. “This is our last opportunity to do something like this.”
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The festivities begin with a “Honor Parade” at 10:30 a.m. near Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids, where visitors will see era-accurate vehicles, military equipment, uniforms and more as participants march west toward the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum coordinate events across West Michigan to celebrate “Victory Week” and the Greatest Generation at the end of World War II. (Courtesy Joel Westphal)
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum coordinate events across West Michigan to celebrate “Victory Week” and the Greatest Generation at the end of World War II. (Courtesy Joel Westphal)
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum coordinate events across West Michigan to celebrate “Victory Week” and the Greatest Generation at the end of World War II. (Courtesy Joel Westphal)
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum coordinate events across West Michigan to celebrate “Victory Week” and the Greatest Generation at the end of World War II. (Courtesy Joel Westphal)
“This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Westphal said. “There will never be another parade like this.”
Coinciding with the parade will be a flyover from World War II aircraft from the historic Willow Run Airport on Michigan’s east side.
“It takes off, flies over the capitol building and heads over to Grand Rapids,” Westphal said.
Throughout the entire week, West Michigan residents are welcome to attend a variety of events honoring the Greatest Generation and their service in World War II — like a prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids, a “Victory Celebration” at Air Zoo featuring vintage music and a commemorative baseball night at LMCU Ballpark.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum coordinate events across West Michigan to celebrate “Victory Week” and the Greatest Generation at the end of World War II. (Courtesy Joel Westphal)
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum coordinate events across West Michigan to celebrate “Victory Week” and the Greatest Generation at the end of World War II. (Courtesy Joel Westphal)
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum coordinate events across West Michigan to celebrate “Victory Week” and the Greatest Generation at the end of World War II. (Courtesy Joel Westphal)
“You’re going to get a ‘Greatest Generation’ ballcap,” Westphal said. “Those tickets are still on sale for the evening of Sept. 2.”
Several knowledgeable speakers will also host lectures throughout the week, including Susan Eisenhower — granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower — and acclaimed World War II historian Sir Antony Beevor.
“He’s sold… millions and millions of books worldwide on (World War II),” Westphal said. “I’ll be interviewing Sir Antony on Sept. 4 at noon. That’s a virtual event.”
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A free, multi-day screening of popular World War II films will also take place at Celebration Cinema Studio Park‘s outdoor lawn, including “Casablanca,” “The Great Escape” and more.
For more information the Greatest Generation Celebration, visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation website.
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