Imagine living through one of the most pivotal conflicts in modern history — and making it to 100-years-old to tell the tale. That’s exactly what three Jewish Centenarian World War II veterans will do on Tuesday, May 20, at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage. The event, “100 and Going Strong,” brings together these centenarian heroes for an evening of stories that bridge past and present — and thanks to a livestream, St. Louisans are invited to listen in, too.
Presented by the National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH), AJC Washington, and the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., the event will be moderated by veteran journalist Wolf Blitzer. It’s part of Jewish American Heritage Month and will start at 6 p.m. CST. Registration is required.
Meet the Jewish Centenarian Veterans
- Colonel Frank Cohn – A refugee from Nazi Germany who joined the U.S. Army shortly after D-Day and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He continued serving through the Vietnam War.
- Corporal Harold Terens – Served with the 376th Fighter Squadron, 8th Air Force, in the U.K., France, and North Africa, participating in Eisenhower’s shuttle bombing program.
- Corporal Al Jacobs – Deployed with the Army Air Forces in India, supporting Allied operations in China and Burma.
“These veterans exemplify courage, patriotism, and resilience,” said Michael Rugel, Director of Programs and Content at the NMAJMH. “This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from living witnesses to the war with extraordinary stories.”
The event may be taking place in Washington D.C., but the message is universal for anyone anywhere in the U.S.
“I hope St. Louis viewers come away with a deeper emotional connection to the experiences of Jewish American WWII veterans, said Rugel. These men have amazing personal stories that I think all Jewish Americans can relate to. For those with family members who served, it’s a chance to hear echoes of their own relatives’ service when there aren’t too many chances to still hear directly from those who served.”
It’s one thing to read about history, but it’s another to hear it straight from those who lived it.
“This may be one of the last opportunities for young people to hear directly from WWII veterans who are 100 years old and still able to tell their stories directly. Frank, Harold, and Al each have a unique perspective, shaped by their Jewish identity and by their experiences in the war. It’s a direct connection in a way that books or movies can’t replicate that I think younger generations appreciate.”
He added that local communities can play a part in preserving these stories: “Ask veterans in your community to share their stories. If you can record them, it’s even better. We’re always looking to add more oral histories from Jewish veterans to our archives here in the museum. You can also contribute to great projects like the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Conducting oral history interviews makes great school projects and service projects.”
The National Museum of American Jewish Military History, based in Washington, D.C., works to preserve the contributions of Jewish Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces. Its mission includes documenting and sharing the personal stories of Jewish military service members, with an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and first-person accounts that trace this history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 6 p.m. CST.
- Virtual registration: Register here
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