Kalamazoo, MI — August 25, 2025 — The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center announced its role as a presenting sponsor, alongside Meijer, for the upcoming Greatest Generation Celebration Week, hosted by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. This statewide commemoration marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honors the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the Greatest Generation. The weeklong series of events will be held across multiple Michigan cities, with Grand Rapids, the hometown of President Gerald R. Ford, serving as the primary location. The schedule includes parades, lectures, community gatherings, film screenings, and ceremonies. As part of the observance, the Air Zoo will host a Victory Celebration on Saturday, September 6, at its Kalamazoo facility.
“Few anniversaries in our shared history are as significant as the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II,” said Nikki Statler, Director of Marketing and Development at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center. “The Greatest Generation secured a future of freedom, innovation, and hope for us all. The Air Zoo is proud to help bring these stories to life and to host the Victory Celebration, where their legacy will be honored with gratitude and joy.”
Highlights of the Greatest Generation Celebration Week
Honor Parade & Wings of Honor Flyover Monday, September 1 (Labor Day) | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Downtown Grand Rapids Parade featuring vintage vehicles, military equipment, veterans, Rosie the Riveters, and more, concluding with a WWII aircraft flyover. Bell Ringing Ceremony Monday, September 1 | 8:08 PM | Throughout Grand Rapids Citywide bell ringing marking the exact moment World War II ended 80 years ago. Lecture Series: Perspectives on the Greatest Generation September 2–4 | Various Venues Talks by noted historians and authors including Rick Atkinson, Garrett Graff, Sir Antony Beevor, and Susan Eisenhower. Free admission (registration required for select events). Convocation of Remembrance (Prayer Service) Tuesday, September 2 | 6 PM | Saint Andrew’s Cathedral A community service dedicated to reflection and remembrance. Greatest Generation Night at the Whitecaps Tuesday, September 2 | 6:35 PM | LMCU Ballpark Cinematic Salute Film Festival September 5–7 | Studio Park, Downtown Grand Rapids Outdoor screenings of WWII classics including Flags of Our Fathers, The Great Dictator, The Great Escape, and Casablanca. Victory Celebration at the Air Zoo Saturday, September 6 | 6 – 9 PM | Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center, Kalamazoo- Keynote by Guy Nasuti, historian, Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC)
- Live swing music and dancing with Hark Up Horns Big Band
- WWII costume contest
- Cocktails, cuisine, and camaraderie
- Rare access to WWII aircraft cockpits and artifact displays
