Friday, May 23, 8:30 am, Jewish War Veterans Flagpole, Sandler Family Campus
Memorial Day’s origins lie in the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other. The immense loss overwhelmed the nation, leading to the establishment of National Cemeteries and the emergence of springtime tributes to honor the fallen soldiers. Over time, this commemoration broadened to encompass all American military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice, officially becoming Memorial Day.
My recent visit to the American Cemetery at Normandy, France, a breathtaking site overlooking the very beaches of D-Day, brought this history into sharp focus. During a moving closing ceremony of a Scout Jamboree on Omaha Beach, where thousands of American lives were tragically lost in mere hours, the cemetery’s curator poignantly noted the presence of more than 140 Stars of David among the graves. This acknowledgment underscored the significant contributions and sacrifices of Jewish soldiers in the fight against tyranny during World War II.
From the Revolution to present day conflicts, Jewish Americans have answered the call to duty, standing ready to defend freedom, even at the cost of their lives. The powerful sentiment echoed in the film, Saving Private Ryan — “Earn this” —serves as a timeless reminder.
That dying wish resonates as the unspoken plea of all those who have fallen. They want us to make their sacrifice meaningful. They want us to cherish our freedoms. They urge us to stand firm against tyranny, hate, and antisemitism. They fought to ensure we never lose the freedom to worship as we choose, to walk our streets safely without fear, to pursue happiness as Jews, as Americans. Their stories, their lives, must be remembered and honored, not just today, but always.
The Memorial Day commemoration at the Sandler Family Campus is presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. For additional information, contact Sierra Lautman at slautman@ujft.org.