Today, an email appeared on my computer: Wreaths Across America accused of ‘carpet bombing’ cemeteries with a ‘Christian gang sign’ … Besides the obvious attack on an organization that demonstrates their sincere gratitude to the many veterans who have served our country and now rest in veteran’s cemeteries, it is downright divisive at a time when the country is so divided on so many issues.
Before going on, let me provide the uninformed reader some personal information. First and foremost, I was born and raised as a Jew in America. American first, and as such, I chose to serve my country through a full military career, marked by two combat tours of duty, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout my military career, I was assigned to many different locations around the world and not all of them made a Jewish Chaplain accessible to me and my family.
Not once, in all those years, was I denied the means to celebrate my religious holidays. Oh, like let’s say Hanukkah, the ‘Festival of Lights,’ or Passover. There was no Rabbi available. I was, at times, located at a post not on the main visitation circuit. And I was often the only Jewish soldier and mine was often the only Jewish family – so, where did the supplies, such as Hanukkah candles or Passover matzos, for my celebration come from? They were brought to me by the Army Chaplain, who was for sure a Christian and most often a Catholic – not because I was an officer … but because I was a soldier serving in some godforsaken place – a soldier serving the country who wanted to celebrate his religious beliefs.
These actions are not easily forgotten. It has been 35 years since I needed the support of the Army Chaplain Corps, regardless of whether they wore a Tablet or a Cross on their uniform. To show my respect for these actions, I have made my own contributions to Wreaths Across America. Not because I’m a Christian – but because I’m not. Because I don’t remember any soldier with whom I served and who died in combat declaring they were fighting for their religion … the men I served with and who died were patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice. So I see the work of Wreaths Across America as a noble effort – a tribute to the fallen in defense of the Nation. And when I pass from this world, and if I am fortunate enough to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, my headstone will have the Star of David on it. AND I hope that I am honored with a wreath at Christmas.
As for the organization that is attacking this tradition, I think a few things need to be said. First, their characterization that the wreaths are a “Christian gang sign” is wrong. History shows us that the wreath has been a symbol used at funerals, since at least the time of Ancient Greece, to represent a circle of eternal life.
In ancient Greece, laurel wreaths became associated with what Apollo embodied; that is, victory, achievement and status, all of which are well suited attributes for soldiers to aspire to. Wreaths would later become one of the most commonly used symbols to address achievement throughout Greece and Rome. Laurel wreaths were used to crown victorious athletes at the original Olympic Games and are still worn in Italy by university students upon graduation.
A wreath laying ceremony is a traditional practice during which funeral wreaths are laid at a grave or memorial site.
It is done as a formal sign of respect towards a particular tribute (e.g. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, National Memorial). These are formal ceremonies that involve high ranking dignitaries such as heads of state. Once a wreath is laid, the person who lays the wreath goes a few steps back to bow/salute the memorial. Christian Gang Sign? THIS SOLDIER DOESN’T THINK SO.
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), the group responsible for the unfortunate characterization, is reported to be a watchdog group and advocacy organization founded in 2005 by Michael L. "Mikey" Weinstein. The group's stated goal is to "ensure that members of the United States Armed Forces receive the Constitutional guarantee of religious freedom to which they are entitled by virtue of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment."
Mr. Weinstein’s website states:
“When one proudly dons a U.S. Military uniform, there is only one religious symbol: the American flag. There is only one religious scripture: the American Constitution. Finally, there is only one religious faith: American patriotism."
I respectfully disagree - When one proudly dons a U.S. Military uniform; There is NO religious symbols ONLY THE AMERICAN FLAG; There is only one religious scripture: THE HOLY BIBLE – BOTH OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS (both are available to all service members) and made available to us BECAUSE of the CONSTITUTION; Finally, there is only one religious faith: No - there are many religious faiths in uniform – and they serve because THEY ARE PATRIOTS … who serve their nation and their God simultaneously as the Founders envisioned.
Please understand that I am not delusional. I live in the real world, and I am well aware of antisemitism in this country – but the military is not where you will find it. If Mr. Weinstein wants an issue to chase on behalf of Jewish service members and veterans, I would point him at the new burial rules proposed for Arlington National Cemetery. I’ll explain. A traditional Jewish burial requires in-ground internment so the body can return to dust --- In the book of Genesis 3:19 the reference to ashes and dust reads, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Jewish law ("Halacha") is unequivocal that the dead must be buried in the earth.
Arlington is running out of space and the new rule will require certain categories of internments to be cremations with burial in a columbarium. This is not in accordance with Jewish burial rituals. Those managing Arlington do not appear to care. Congress has been asked to weigh in on the situation resulting in a shoulder shrug. So, Mr. Weinstein, if you want an issue to chase --- here it is!!
Leave the Christmas wreaths alone. Do something for Jewish veterans who may not be able to be buried in the ground because of bureaucratic rules. Now, that would be good for soldiers and veterans of the Jewish faith who served this country with honor and distinction! And if I make it to Arlington when my time here is done --- make sure I get one of those wreaths at Christmas and don’t forget the Stars and Stripes on Veterans Day.