GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — "The sacrifice of back then was immeasurable in today's understanding. The generations today have no comprehension of the amount of sacrifice that generation went through," said Joel Westphal, Chairman of the Greatest Generation Day Committee.
Next year will mark 80 years since the end of WWII. In 2020, the Greatest Generation Day Committee held the Greatest Generation Day in Grand Rapids, which became one of the largest celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII in the country during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
With 2025 approaching, they are looking to make it even greater.
"The Greatest Generation encompasses all of those who were living, I believe the age is 12 and up when the war started," said Westphal. "It also looks at the Greatest Generation encompasses everyone who contributed during that war effort, whether it's the Rosie The Riveters, the men working in the factories, and also even the children who had to deal with rationing."
The 75th anniversary in 2020 saw thousands watch WWII planes fly from Ypsilanti to Grand Rapids. Next year, they hope to have the flyover be seen across more of the state.
Westphal says 2025 may be the last significant anniversary of the end of WWII to honor the veterans and members of the Greatest Generation who are still alive.
"This is our, literally, the last chance we will have to say thank you to those veterans, to those members of the Greatest Generation, for what they did for all of us," said Westphal.
The group is also working to have a WWII film festival, parades, exhibits and opportunities for young generations to learn directly from America's greatest.
"They can really learn and experience it through their eyes, if you will," said Brian Hauenstein, co-chairman of the Greatest Generation Day Committee. "This is the last time for a young teenager to experience that and carry that through their life."
With the 2020 celebration costing around $40,000, the group is hoping to raise funds to build of what was started four years ago.
"The big piece for us right now is support. We're looking for community support from organizations that can help sponsor and make this a success," said Hauenstein.
Those looking to donate can find that information here.