73rd Annual Memorial Service at the Robert S. Kraft War Memorial Garden

On Sunday, May 29, 2016, B’nai B’rith held its 73rd annual Memorial Service at the Robert S. Kraft War Memorial Garden in the Covedale Cemetery on Sidney Road. This unique Memorial Service is held annually in memory of the Greater Cincinnati servicemen of the Jewish faith, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country while serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The program was presented by B’nai B’rith of Greater Cincinnati Alfred M. Cohen Unit #4 and co-chaired by Harvey Chyette and Elaine Owen. The Service was led by Harry S. Sudman, past President of B’nai B’rith. State Representative Connie Pillich and Municipal Court Presiding Judge Brad Greenberg served as keynote speakers, and Lieutenant Colonel Tyler K. Moore, Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force ROTC Detachment 665 at the University of Cincinnati, represented the active military and spoke on the life of soldiers in today’s military. The American Legion Post 534 presented colors and blew taps.

The War Memorial, established at this location and dedicated on October 14, 1945 to the memory of our valiant servicemen, and the annual Memorial Service, have involved the joint efforts of various leaders in the Jewish community, including the late Louis Weiland, who served as the original chairman of the War Memorial Committee until he passed away in 1982, and the late Honorable Judge Robert S. Kraft and Jack Landman who served as co-chairmen until 1993, as well as the current co-chairmen, Harvey Chyette and Elaine Owen.