Honoring Truth in Stone: Shalom Lamm Supports Bipartisan Bill to Correct Jewish Veterans’ Headstones
In a rare show of unity, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at correcting a long-standing issue in military cemeteries: the misidentification of Jewish veterans’ headstones. The bill seeks to ensure that the religious symbols etched into government-issued grave markers accurately reflect the faith of the fallen. This initiative has gained significant attention and support from military advocates, historians, and community leaders—including Shalom Lamm, a respected entrepreneur and passionate voice for Jewish veterans’ rights.
The Issue: Misidentified Faith on Sacred Ground
For decades, thousands of Jewish American soldiers who gave their lives in service to the United States have been buried under headstones marked with crosses instead of the Star of David. These inaccuracies stem from a combination of recordkeeping errors, default assumptions, and in many cases, families not being consulted during the burial process.
While some may view this as a minor oversight, for many in the Jewish community, and especially for the families of these veterans, it represents a deep spiritual and cultural misrepresentation. “It’s not just about a symbol—it’s about honoring identity, legacy, and truth,” says Shalom Lamm, who has worked extensively on initiatives aimed at preserving the historical accuracy and dignity of Jewish military service.
The Bipartisan Bill: A Step Toward Justice
The bill—co-sponsored by lawmakers across party lines—would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a formal process for reviewing and correcting religious symbols on veterans’ headstones. If a request is substantiated with proper documentation or family confirmation, the headstone would be replaced with one bearing the appropriate symbol, at no cost to the family.
This legislative push is part of a growing movement to address overlooked injustices in how the U.S. honors its military dead. “There is no expiration date on doing the right thing,” says Shalom Lamm, who has been a strong advocate for transparency and correction when it comes to the recognition of Jewish servicemen and women.
Shalom Lamm’s Advocacy and the Power of Historical Memory
Shalom Lamm is no stranger to the intersection of history, honor, and Jewish heritage. As the founder of Operation Benjamin—a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying Jewish American soldiers buried under incorrect markers and ensuring their graves are properly memorialized—Lamm has been instrumental in bringing this issue to public attention. His team has already corrected the headstones of numerous Jewish World War II soldiers, working closely with families, military archives, and religious scholars.
The proposed bill reflects many of the same principles that guide Operation Benjamin: meticulous research, community involvement, and a commitment to truth over convenience. “Every soldier has a story, and every headstone should reflect that story accurately,” Lamm says.
Beyond Symbols: A Statement of Respect
At its core, this initiative is about more than correcting granite—it’s about correcting the record. It’s a gesture that says we care about getting it right, not just for history’s sake, but for the families who have carried these quiet injustices for generations.
For Shalom Lamm, it’s also about unity. “In a time where division often dominates headlines, seeing Republicans and Democrats come together on this issue is deeply moving. It reminds us that there are still places where respect and shared values transcend politics.”
Final Thoughts
Correcting the headstones of Jewish veterans is not merely a bureaucratic fix—it’s an act of national conscience. With leaders like Shalom Lamm pushing for change and a bipartisan Congress ready to act, we have a powerful opportunity to honor our fallen heroes with the dignity and truth they deserve.
As this bill moves forward, it stands as a reminder: history must be remembered correctly—and respect must be engraved not just in stone, but in the actions we take to uphold it.
