Act Now: Honor Fallen Jewish Servicemembers

The Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act (H.R. 2701/S.1318) directs the American Battle Monuments Commission to identify and correct the grave markers of American-Jewish servicemembers who were mistakenly buried under Latin Crosses in overseas military cemeteries during World War I and World War II. The bill, which authorizes $500,000 annually for ten years to support this work in partnership with qualified nonprofit organizations, was recently reported favorably out of both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee with broad bipartisan support. It now awaits a full vote in both the House and Senate. Please fill out this Action Alert to urge your Members of Congress to cosponsor and vote in favor of this important legislation to ensure our fallen heroes are remembered with dignity and accuracy.

Dear [Lawmaker],

I am writing to urge you to cosponsor and vote in favor of H.R. 2701/S.1318, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. This important bipartisan legislation ensures that American servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice and are buried overseas receive the proper recognition of their faith and heritage. 
It is estimated that nearly 900 American-Jewish servicemembers who were killed during World War I and World War II were accidentally buried under the Latin Cross rather than grave markers that accurately reflect their religious identity. While these mistakes were made unintentionally, we believe it is our duty to correct them and ensure that every fallen hero is appropriately honored. 
The Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act would establish a program within the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to research and identify these servicemembers and rectify these historical errors. The legislation authorizes $500,000 annually for ten years to support this important work by contracting with qualified nonprofit organizations. It appropriately recognizes the sacrifices of American-Jewish servicemembers and reaffirms our nation’s enduring promise to honor all who served with dignity and respect. 
This legislation was recently reported favorably out of both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee with broad bipartisan support and is now awaiting a vote by the full House. It has earned the endorsement of a broad coalition, including the Jewish Federations of North America, Jewish War Veterans, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Gold Star Spouses of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and the Non Commissioned Officers Association. 
Our nation carries a solemn obligation to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. Correcting their grave markers to properly reflect their heritage is a powerful and lasting tribute to their service. 
Thank you for considering this important legislation. I urge you to stand with our fallen heroes and vote in favor of H.R. 2701/S.1318.

Sincerely,
______

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