2025: 80 years since the end of WW II

Nassau County has established a coalition of museums, veterans' organizations, educators, and support groups to host a series of programs and commemorations throughout 2025, honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) is proud to play a vital role in this coalition, which includes:

The Museum of American Armor, The Cradle of Aviation, The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, the Nassau County Veterans Agency, and the Long Island Chapter of the Air Force Association. Corporate sponsors include PSEG Long Island, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, BDG, B2K Development, Bristal Assisted Living, David Mack, Ripco, Greenfield’s Shop Rite, NFP, Local 138 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, and in cooperation with the Long Island Council of the Social Studies. Its goals are to honor, remember, and educate.

Some interesting statistics:

During the course of World War II, 550,000 Jewish men and women served in the armed forces of the United States. (Another 1 million Jews served in other Allied forces - 500,000 in the Soviet Army, 100,000 in the Polish Military, and 30,000 in the British Army.)

  • Jewish servicemembers accounted for 4.23 percent of all soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces.

  • About 60 percent of all Jewish physicians in the United States under 45 years of age served in the military.

  • 22 Jews attained senior rank in the armed forces - 18 generals, 6 major generals, 12 brigadier generals,1 vice admiral, 2 rear admirals, and 1 commodore.

  • The total number of Jewish war casualties was 38,338 - 11,000 were killed, 7,000 of which occurred in combat.

  • Approximately 26,000 Jewish men and women in uniform received citations for valor and merit. The number of awards totaled 49,315, including 66 Distinguished Service Crosses, 28 Navy Crosses, 41 Distinguished Service Medals, 244 Legions of Merit, 1,434 Silver Stars, 2,047 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 191 Soldier's Medals, 28 Navy and Marine Corps Medals, 4,641 Bronze Star Medals, 13,212 Air Medals and 14,550 Purple Hearts.

  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt praised the fighting abilities and service of Jewish men and women. General Douglas MacArthur in one of his speeches said, “I am proud to join in saluting the memory of fallen American heroes of Jewish faith.” At the 50th National Memorial Service conducted by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, General A. A. Vandergrift, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, said, “Americans of Jewish faith in the Marine Corps have served with distinction throughout the prosecution of this war. During the past year, many Jewish fighting men in our armed forces have given their lives to the cause of freedom. With profound sympathy and respect, I join you in paying homage to them at this memorial service.”