In remembrance of Veterans Days past

The Touro Guards, 1898, offered their services during the Spanish-American War.

In elementary school we learned that Nov. 11 was called Armistice Day, the day when hostilities ceased in World War I. At ceremonies commemorating that event and those who fought and died in “the war to end all wars,” we recited – by heart – the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.

The aftermath of World War I did not bring the peace for which we all yearned. In 1954, Nov. 11 became Veterans Day, a day dedicated to the veterans of wars this country has fought in faraway places and closer to home. In this spirit of remembrance, the names of Jewish veterans with ties to Rhode Island are engraved in the Jewish War Veterans Wall of Honor at Lincoln Park Cemetery. Most of these men and women served during the 20th century, but we also have a history of volunteers who joined the army to fight the Spanish in Cuba.

The Gay ’90s saw a rise in anti-Semitism in Europe and in this country. An overt manifestation was found in a letter published in an American magazine. The charge implied that Jews would not fight for their country. In response to this slander, Jewish veterans came forward to found the Jewish War Veterans in 1896. Additionally, many Jewish citizens in the U.S. formed voluntary militias. One of these was the Touro Cadets of Providence, chartered in 1897 for “literary, scientific, social and charitable purposes.”

The two platoons of the Cadets practiced their drills under the command of “Captain” Reilly, a barber in “Jewtown,” the North End of Providence. They became so proficient in marching they won a competition in New York.

With calls to “Remember the Maine,” the warship that sank under mysterious circumstances in Havana harbor, the Spanish-American War began. The Touro Cadets offered their services en masse but were told they had to enlist individually.

All the militias in Providence were summoned to report for enlistment at a prearranged signal of bells on July 3, 1898. Forty-five Touro Cadets, dressed in full uniform, responded. The adjutant called the roll, after which they were dismissed. They returned to their headquarters on Canal Street, where, amply provisioned with food and drink, they remained to celebrate the Fourth of July.            

Although he lived in Millville, Massachusetts, Simon Israel proudly marched with the VFW in Woonsocket parades. Millville is a short distance from the Rhode Island border. “My grandfather was proud of his service in the army during the Spanish-American War,” Judge Richard Israel said in a recent interview, “and I loved seeing him at the front of the VFW contingent.”

Simon Israel came to this country in 1892 at the age of 20 and settled in or near Worcester, Massachusetts. Six years later, when the U.S. went to war with Spain in Cuba, he joined the Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers, Company A, in Worcester and soon found himself on the island.

One of the hazards facing the American troops serving in Cuba was yellow fever. The debilitating illness had wreaked havoc on the Spanish garrisons stationed there, and now the Americans were suffering its effects. Although many of Simon Israel’s comrades were stricken, he was not. He volunteered to work in the dispensary and cared for the ill soldiers of his regiment. For his compassionate efforts, he became known as “The Angel of Company A.” Judge Israel found a description of his grandfather’s good works and his designation as “Angel” in a history of the regiment.

For his service in the war, Israel received American citizenship. He settled in Millville on his return and enjoyed special ties to Woonsocket.

In the archives at the R.I. Jewish Historical Association, there is a photo of Simon Greenberg who served in the Spanish-American War from February to August 1898. We know nothing more about his story and hope that someone can tell us about him. 

This month, in particular, we recognize the veterans who served in this country’s wars, and we salute them as we pray for peace.

GERALDINE FOSTER is a past president of the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association. To comment about this or any Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association article, email info@rijha.org.