GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- An interfaith prayer service Tuesday evening, Sept. 2, at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew will honor those who served and sacrificed for freedom during World War Two.
The Japanese officially surrendered to the United States on September 2nd, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri.
The event will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bishop David Walkowiak will be joined by Rabbi emeritus Albert Lewis of Temple Emanuel and Christian Reformed Church pastors Carl Kammeraad and Epke Vanderberg at the prayer service.
It is a part of the weeklong Greatest Generation Celebration taking place across West Michigan.
The Diocese of Grand Rapids provided more information in a news release:
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 2
6-7 p.m.
WHERE: Cathedral of Saint Andrew
301 Sheldon Blvd. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Cathedral of Saint Andrew will also participate in the bell ringing ceremony on Sept. 1 at 8:08 p.m. This moment of remembrance will mark the Japanese surrender at 9:08 a.m. Sept. 2, Tokyo time, 80 years ago.
More details on the Greatest Generation Celebration may be found at: geraldrfordfoundation.org/greatest-generation-celebration-2025
About the Diocese of Grand Rapids:
The Diocese of Grand Rapids serves more than 179,371 Catholics, 79 parishes and 31 schools in an 11-county area of West Michigan. For additional information visit our website GRdiocese.org. Connect with the diocese on Facebook (Diocese of Grand Rapids) and Instagram (@GRDiocese).
About the GGC Committee
The Greatest Generation Celebration Committee was created in 2019 by Joel Westphal to honor America’s Greatest Generation. It is a collaboration of dedicated community anchors, whose passion and commitment ensure this event brings history, gratitude, and remembrance to life. The work is organized with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Michigan Heroes Museum, the Hauenstein Center at Grand Valley State University, the City of Grand Rapids, Gilmore Car Museum, and The Air Zoo. Mr. Westphal currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum and as Professor of Global History at GRCC. He is joined by co-chairs Brian Hauenstein, Neil Kirby and Dr. Robert Hendershot in addition to honorary chairmen Hank Meijer and Spencer Abraham, former Secretary of Energy.
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