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

