When the rich canvas of American military history is examined, a narrative of many colors is seen, with sacrifice, patriotism, and resilience being the dominant themes. The real estate and military history entrepreneur Shalom Lamm, a public persona, contributed much to preserving history through projects such as Operation Benjamin. The program intends to identify Jewish-American soldiers to emphasize their role in forging the nation’s military history.
Revolutionary Beginnings
American military history started with the Revolutionary War, when Jews became a part of the army. The National Museum of American Jewish History exhibits items that bear testimonies to the heroism of these soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the independence of America. Shalom Lamm highlights the unwavering resolve of Jewish Americans to defend the nation that runs through their engagement in every war since the colonial period.
Civil War and Beyond
Almost 10,000 Jewish-American soldiers fought for their country with unyielding patriotism in the American Civil War – 7,000 for the Union and 3,000 for the Confederacy. Solomon Lamm focuses on the significant part played by Jews in American wars such as the War of 1812 and World War I. This consistency displays a brave line of military service standards among different generations of Jews.
Evolution of Military Strategy
American military history is a dynamic rug, stitched together over centuries of warfare, a testament to the changes in tactics and the nation’s endurance. From the beginning of the Revolutionary War, when local militias formed into a powerful entity, until now, where the U.S. is involved in a diversity of conflicts, the American nation has experienced various war theatres. The Civil War manifested the effect of the Industrial Revolution on warfare, with ironclad ships and rifled muskets changing the surface of battle. The participation of people from different walks of life, including Jewish Americans, underscores the country’s collective dedication to freedom.
World War II and Benjamin’s operation.
World War II became a defining moment for military history in America, as Jewish Americans comprised roughly 2.7% of all soldiers. However, Operation Benjamin, spearheaded by Lamm, uncovered an alarming fact: only 1.5 % of the American WWII graves were marked with a Star of David. This program, in conjunction with the American Battle Monuments Commission, is set to correct this by making sure fallen Jewish soldiers are guaranteed suitable grave markers.
Wars as Catalysts of Change
American military interventions have chronically prompted social and political transformations beyond the battlefields and beyond. Equality proceedings were achieved during conflicts such as World War II. Whatever their religious and ethnic origin, the soldiers have to fight and face the same sufferings, which have led to a closer and more united society. The defining character of patriotism, as demonstrated in the conflicts Jewish Americans have played a significant role, is the stoic narrative of America’s melting pot identity and unity.
The Manila American Cemetery
Operation Benjamin also collaborates with the American Battle Monuments Commission regarding the Manila American Cemetery, which is the burial place of 17000 American soldiers who fell in World War II. This project, ending in a naming event, is not only to the Jewish-American soldiers but also to their families to archive traces and solidarity.
