Remembering WWII: Hauenstein Center joins community in 80th anniversary events

The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies joins academic and civic institutions across Grand Rapids to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, beginning on Labor Day.

As part of the Greatest Generation Celebration, the Hauenstein Center welcomes historian, journalist and author Garrett Graff to discuss the war’s enduring impact eight decades later. 

Graff’s presentation, “Why World War II Still Matters,” will take place at 6 p.m. on September 3 in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. 

“There are countless lessons to be learned from the brave individuals who led, fought, and served during this global conflict, like our very own Col. Ralph Hauenstein,” said Megan Rydecki, director of the Hauenstein Center.

“Together, we’ll reflect on the sacrifices that were made and carry forward the wisdom that is still relevant for our world today.”

The United States’ involvement in the Second World War began after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Four years later, the war came to a close when the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, respectively, followed by Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945.

Graff, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his book on the Watergate scandal, will explore the war’s legacy and the ways its consequences continue to shape the modern world. 

His lecture is part of a weeklong series of events honoring the men and women of the Greatest Generation who persevered and sacrificed through the defining conflict of the 20th century.

Visit the Gerald Ford Foundation’s website for more details on the week’s events.