12 | JUNE 27 • 2024
Hebrew Memorial in Clinton Township.
Each program began with a
processional led by the JWV Color
Guard and concluded with the reciting
of Kaddish and playing of “Taps.” In the
days leading up to the events, Joseph L.
Bale Post 474 Commander Mark Reed
led JWV volunteers in the placement
of American flags at the gravesites of
Jewish war veterans, of blessed memory.
Also on Sunday, May 26, the JWV
Department of Michigan was proud to
sponsor this year’s annual Memorial Day
Observance at the Great Lakes National
Cemetery (GLNC) in Holly.
The invocation and benediction were
delivered by Rabbi Aaron Starr from
Congregation Shaarey Zedek, while JWV
Joseph L. Bale Post 474 member Nick
Israel led the gathering in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
With his JWV comrades looking on,
Brig. Gen. Donald Schenk (U.S. Army,
Retired), junior vice commander of the
JWV Department of Michigan, gave an
inspiring and emotional speech as the
day’s invited keynote speaker.
“Everyone we honor today,” said
Schenk, “whether here at Great Lakes
National Cemetery, at rest in another
quiet corner of our country, in some
foreign soil or in the depths of the sea,
is remembered. Their memories live on
with the families who loved them and in
the soul of a nation that is safer for their
service.”
The JWV concluded the holiday
weekend by returning to march in the
city of Royal Oak’s Memorial Day Parade
on Monday, May 27.
Downtown Royal Oak was packed
with an enthusiastic crowd giving a
warm welcome to the JWV Color Guard
as they marched proudly down Main
Street with the JWV Department of
Michigan and American flags. JWV
members followed just behind carrying
the Jewish War Veterans of the United
States banner.
Sr. Vice Commander Emeritus Art
Fishman, 97, was in attendance. Fishman
OUR COMMUNITY
continued from page 11
JWV and Color Guard
march in the annual
city of Royal Oak
Memorial Day Parade.
Dr. Ed Adler
presents
JWV’s JROTC
Americanism
Medal to Cadet
Nathan Bishop
of the Genesee
Career Institute
JROTC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF ROYAL OAK