Jewish War Veterans Post 26 holds ceremony in honor of Memorial Day.
Springfield- A memorial stone in honor of Jewish veterans sits in front of the Jewish Community Center in Springfield. SPRINGFIELD — The names of 50 Jewish soldiers who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq were read at the Jewish Community Center Sunday as part of a small ceremony honoring Memorial Day.
"We just want to express our gratitude to the men and women who gave their lives for this country," said Stanley R. Light, commander of the Jewish War Veterans Post 26.
A small group of veterans and their relatives gathered at the community center in Springfield to pay respect to those lost by reciting several Jewish prayers, playing "Taps" and having a moment of silence for the 50 Jewish soldiers, most in their early 20s, who have died since the conflicts began in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The names of 10 Post 26 council members who have died in the past year were also read, followed by a moment of silence.
Light thanked Beth El Boy Scout Troop 32 for placing flags on the graves of Jewish veterans buried in the area in the days leading up to Memorial Day.
Light also said that while Post 26 is still operating it has been struggling to stay active due to low membership and finances.
Any Jewish military personnel interested in joining or anyone interested in contributing donations to the organization should call Light at (413)734-2112.
In Wilbraham a small ceremony was held Sunday in Crane Park on Main Street. Belchertown and Warren were also set to hold ceremonies on Sunday.
However, most events will take place Monday including parades in Hampden, Ludlow, East Longmeadow, Granby, Northampton and other towns across Western Massachusetts.
In Springfield a Bishop’s Mass will be held at 9 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the Veterans Monument at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Â