[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 36 (Friday, March 15, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2206-S2207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CENTENNIAL OF THE JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE U.S.A.

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, today, March 15, 1996, marks the 
100th anniversary of the founding of the oldest veterans organization 
in this country--the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. Most people 
think that the American Legion is the oldest veterans group but, in 
fact, it is not.
  On March 15, 1896, 63 Jewish Civil War veterans gathered in New York 
City to form the Hebrew Union Veterans as a response to allegations 
that Jews in 19th century America were not

[[Page S2207]]

inclined ``to stand by the flag as soldiers.'' From this group of 63 
has developed the current organization of over 100,000 members.
  The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. is proud of the history of its 
individual members in all of America's wars and conflicts. It is also 
proud of its own history as an organization. All of us share in that 
pride for it is well-earned. JWV led the effort to end the pogroms 
against Eastern European Jews at the beginning of this century. They 
led the national boycott of German goods in the 1930's. And they have 
supported the state of Israel since its birth in 1948. Moreover, the 
JWV actively supported the civil rights movement of the 1960's and was 
the only veterans group to support the 1963 march on Washington. It 
also was the first group to call for the withdrawal of United States 
military forces from Vietnam in 1971.
  The JWV's 100-year history has kept it in the forefront of groups 
which support America's military personnel and our veterans. It has 
supported educational, veterans, and community projects and has done so 
regardless of religion, race, or gender.
  America is proud of all its veterans. Today, we should stop and pay 
tribute to this outstanding veterans organization. America 
congratulates the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. on its centennial 
anniversary.

                          ____________________