Thursday, May 21, 8:30 am Jewish War Veterans Memorial Sandler Family Campus
Memorial Day began in the wake of the Civil War when a grieving nation came together to honor the fallen. What started as springtime tributes at newly established national cemeteries has grown into a solemn national observance recognizing all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Jewish Americans have been part of that story since the nation’s earliest days. This year, as America marks its 250th anniversary — a milestone to be celebrated on July 4, 2026 — it is a fitting moment to reflect on Jewish contributions to that very founding. At the time of the American Revolution, a small Jewish population—numbering only in the thousands—nonetheless showed deep patriotism, with many serving in the fight for independence. George Washington himself directly commanded 40 Jewish soldiers, and in Charleston, South Carolina, entire groups of Jewish men enlisted together in support of the cause.
According to the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Jewish service members have consistently served in numbers far exceeding their proportion of the population—earning more than 52,000 military awards, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. From the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, where Jewish Americans fought on both sides, to modern conflicts, that commitment has remained unwavering.
Many of these stories—both well-known and largely unsung—are thoughtfully compiled in an article by Aish.com (We Jews: Memorial Day Edition) highlighting Jewish military service across American history. Readers are encouraged to explore it to gain a deeper appreciation for the breadth of contribution, sacrifice, and patriotism that continues to shape the community.
Behind these numbers are deeply personal stories of courage and sacrifice—young men and women who carried not only a sense of duty, but a profound awareness of what their service meant for those they loved and those they stood beside.
Their legacy demands more than remembrance. It asks Jewish Americans to live with intention, to safeguard the freedoms they defended, and to stand firmly against hatred, antisemitism, and injustice. Because of them, Jewish Americans can live openly and proudly—as Jews and as Americans. Honoring their memory means carrying that responsibility forward, not just on Memorial Day, but every day.
The Memorial Day commemoration at the Sandler Family Campus is presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. For more information and to RSVP (required), visit JewishVA.org/memorialday26.