From left to right: Gregg Philipson holding bugle; Alana Pompa and Bob Kaplan beginning to hoist the flag. Credit: Steve Krant

By Steve Krant, U.S. Air Force (Retired) 

In a time-honored tradition, Austin’s Post 757, Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) performed a solemn Memorial Day Flag Ceremony at the Dell JCC on the Dell Jewish Community Campus. The Post’s Honor Guard first displayed the stars & stripes before raising it to the flagpole’s peak, then lowered it slowly to a respectful half-mast. After a brief reading by Post Commander Baihlah Rubin and benediction by Air Force Rabbi Major Daniel Millner, the service concluded with the mournful bugle notes of Taps, a symbolic rest in peace message. Post members also honor their Jewish comrades-in-arms by placing flags at their grave markers at various Austin-area cemeteries.  

Originally Decoration Day, the Federal holiday is rooted in post-Civil War times -an opportunity to reflect on war’s devastation and adorn the headstones of fallen soldiers with flags, ribbons, and flowers. Today, Memorial Day honors all service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending democracy and freedom.  

JWV’s origins are similarly tied to the Civil War. It was founded in 1896 by Jewish veterans in response to the pervasive antisemitic trope that Jews profited but didn’t serve. In fact, thousands fought bravely on both sides, among them several Medal of Honor recipients.  

Now in its 128th year, JWV – A Jewish Voice for Veterans; a Veteran’s Voice for Jews – is Congressionally Chartered and the nation’s longest continuously operating Veteran’s organization. Post members are active in the Austin community year-round.  

Activities include raising funds for veterans in need, offering resources for those returning to civilian life, helping fellow vets navigate the VA’s labyrinth bureaucracy, and working closely with their regional and national counterparts to fight antisemitism and bigotry.