A local committee representating a wide array of non-profits, for-profits, media and veterans groups is looking for World War II veterans to make certain they are recognized at the "Greatest Geneneration Day Celebration," set for September 1-2, 2020 at and near the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
Headed by Joel Westphal, deputy director of the Ford Presidental Library and Museum, the event is intended to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and to show gratitude to members of what's known as the "Greatest Generation" who sacrificed abroad and at home to defeat the Axis powers. The war officially ended when a declaration was signed aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945.
In advance of the remembrance and celebration events, the committee wants to be sure that all World War II veterans in the area are notified of the activities and to know they are invited as persons of honor.
"The Greatest Generation Day Committee is looking to identify, recognize, and honor all living West Michigan World War II veterans," said Westphal. "We do not want to miss any of the persons that should be appropriately thanked as we note this special anniversary date.
Anyone who knows a World War II veteran should email [email protected] by July 31, 2020.
In addition to hearing the stories of veterans at various senior living centers in the area, on Tuesday, September 1 there will be an “In Memoriam Remembrance and Bell Ringing” at 6:45 p.m. at Ab-Nab-Awen Park featuring representatives of the Allied countries, noting the number of those lost during the war, both military and civilian. The keynote speaker will be Jim DeFelice, co-author of American Sniper and Every Man a Hero: A Memoir of D-Day.
On Wednesday, September 2 at 5:00 p.m. there will be a B-17 Armed Services flyover, followed by a program called “Their Stories Told, Honorary Procession, Proclamations, and Veteran Ceremony” and a keynote by journalist and author Chris Wallace at the Eberhard Center of Grand Valley State University. Wallace has just come out with a book about World War II titled Countdown 1945.
Those who have additional questions about the series of events can contact Kristin Mooney at the Ford Museum at [email protected].
During World War II, over 16 million Americans served in uniform. In fields and factories, American workers produced the materials for victory in quantities previously unimagined. Untold others sacrificed at home by rationing, purchasing war bonds, or contributing to the war effort in countless ways.
For those of the Greatest Generation, September 2, 1945 represented the culmination of 1,336 days of arduous and demanding sacrifice; over 400,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.
"We simply can't let this 75th anniversary go by without noting, thanking and honoring World War II veterans and all who sacrificed to bring freedom to countless persons all over the world. This truly was the Greatest Generation," said Westphal.
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