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Veterans Day at the Hebrew Cemetery
December 2023
Veterans Day is a time to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country in both war and peace. Jews, like Americans of many faiths and backgrounds, have served our country since the Revolutionary War. 191 veterans are buried at the Hebrew Cemetery, representing service in all branches, from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean War.
Veterans Day allows us to focus on our Jewish values of appreciation, social responsibility, and being of service to others. Placing American flags on the graves of our veterans allows us to acknowledge the selfless choices and courage of those who protect our nation, our way of life, and the freedoms we all enjoy. It’s a celebration marked by intent and commitment.
We are thankful to the many families and veterans who joined us this year. We began with a small ceremony in our memorial building, during which veteran Steve Russak reminded everyone of the significance of Veterans Day and urged us to think of the soldiers currently serving in Israel. As an American flag was folded, Temple Israel’s cantor, Shira Lissek, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by Israel’s National Anthem, “Hatikvah,” as our thoughts turned to those who have served and are currently serving in Israel. Before everyone collected the flags to place, Leonard Marco, who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1962-1965, played the poignant sounds of “Taps.” Marco, a first lieutenant in Artillery Battery, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “It is respectful to do this for
those who have passed and to remember their sacrifices, and we need to pass on these memories and customs to the next generation.”
The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried in the cemetery in the month of October.
