America’s story Part 2

The Jewish War Veterans was established in 1896. For over 125 years, it has proven that Jews are an integral component in the defense of America. We have made priceless sacrifices and contributions in America’s growth as a nation.

In the years after the Civil War, there were cries that the Jews had not risen up to come to America’s defense. To counter this, 63 Jewish War Veterans came together in 1896 to establish the Hebrew Union Veterans.

The Union fought anti- Semitism in the armed forces and in the public. We are the oldest continuously operating veterans’ organization in the U.S.A.

What does it mean to us, the Jewish Community? We are proud as Jewish Veterans for the service we performed for our country. We are proud that we brought honor and recognition for our people.

We are the visible face of Jewish Veterans when in uniform in public.

We stand for Jewish pride, identity, and American Military Service to our Nation.

Post 202 recent activities

Members from Post 202 recently visited and participated in a Wreath Day Ceremony at Trafford Cemetery in Immokalee. A spectacular turnout of veterans and the patriotic motorcycle group, the Rolling Thunder, participated in this service. Rolling Thunder placed wreaths on more than 150 graves, including presenting the Jewish War Veterans with two

wreaths to place over Veterans’ graves at this cemetery. One of these was a Jewish War Veteran.

During the month of January, we participated with the VFW Drill Team in several Military Funeral Services. A 21-gun salute was followed by the playing of “Taps,” Following the U.S. Flag Folding Ceremony, the Flag was presented to the family. Families of the veterans were greatly moved and grateful for the veterans providing this service.

Member spotlight

Armand “Pep” Pepper, age 94, and a WWII Veteran, states in his biography, “I enlisted in the Army one week after Pearl Harbor at the age of 15 years, 10 months using my older brother’s altered ID...”

Go to our website, www.jwvpost202. wordpress.com, for the full story. Scroll down to “Completed Events, January 03, 2021.”

Announcements

We invite those who have served in the U.S. military (combat not required) to join us at our monthly meetings. If you are not a veteran, but are grateful for their dedication to our country, you are invited to uphold our values as a Patron Member.

To learn more, contact us at jwvpost202@ gmail.com or call 239-272-5999. God Bless America! Correction to the January Federation Star article: David Isaacson is 96 years old, not 100. We regret the error.