September 1, 2025, was the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, when Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender on the U.S.S. Missouri. Germany had surrendered earlier that year. To honor a generation of millions of men and women who endured immense sacrifice to free the world of tyranny, the Gerald F. Ford Presidential Foundation organized and sponsored the “Greatest Generation Celebration 2025” here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event included lectures, a flyover of WW II era planes, and a parade. I attended the parade and took these photographs.

Before parade began, I snooped around the staging area admiring the vintage vehicles and meeting Uncle Sam and the Willow Run Rosies Drill Team.

The parade got under way a few minutes late. After the honor guard passed by, the parade’s Grand Marshalls followed in a late 1930s Buick Eight. There were two Grand Marshalls, 101-year-old Maxine Boeve and 99-year-old Eugene Khorey. Boeve worked in a U.S. Navy shipyard in Washington state during World War II. Khorey was an infantryman in the U.S. Army, who served in Germany and in the Pacific theater.

Riding in two trollies were surviving members of the Greatest Generation. Unfortunately, the windows were tinted so we could not see them. But the crowd showed their appreciation with loud applause.

Behind there trollies were hundreds of family members carrying signs to honor their forebearers who served in World War II. For me, it was the most touching part of the parade.

Following the family members were members of the American Rosie the Riveter Association, an organization formed in 1998 to “recognize and preserve the history and legacy of working women, including volunteer women, during World War II; to promote cooperation and fellowship among such members and their descendants; and to further the advancement of patriotic ideals, excellence in the workplace, and loyalty to the United States of America.”

Rose Will Monroe was working at the Ford Motor Company’s bomber plant in Willow Run, Michigan, building B-29 and B24 “Liberator” military planes, when a Hollywood producer working on a film to encourage Americans to buy war bonds spotted her and cast her in the film. Rosie the Riveter, an iconic image of the strength and contribution of women, was born.

The Rosies in the parade carried placards with the photographs and brief details about women in their families who served or worked to support the war effort during World War II.

Marching behind the Rosies were members of the West Catholic High School Marching Band.

Following close behind was the Willow Run Rosies Drill Team.

The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is honoring members of the Greatest Generation at a Victory Celebration on September 6, They brought several vehicles and, what I believe was, a Vought F4U Corsair airplane, a plane used by Americans in World War II and the Korean Conflict.

They also brought my friend and fellow photography enthusiast, John, who is a regular volunteer at the Air Zoo. John was snapping away, but gave me a hearty wave as he passed by.

The Northern Lights Marching Band, from Grand Haven, Michigan, had an amazing sound. Members of the band are all home schooled, but come together to make music. And they did a great job of it.

Near the end of the parade was General Dwight David Eisenhower’s field car. Whether it was the authentic one or a replica, it was neat to see.

It was wonderful to see so many people on the street to honor members of the Greatest Generation. Their sacrifice to preserve our freedom from tyranny and authoritarianism is a blessing and a lesson for all subsequent generations if we will only heed it.