![Maine\'s Jews in America\'s Wars](https://web.colby.edu/jewsinmaine/wp-content/blogs.dir/168/files/war/warfront.jpg "<p>“We are certainly not Jews first and Americans second.” -Sam Shapiro (Waterville), World War II veteran</p>
<p>Jewish Mainers responded each time America has gone to war. As early as the Civil War, Jewish men served within the Maine regiments of the Union Army. Jews from around the state fought overseas during both world wars, leaving their families and homes behind. Soldiers lacked the comfort and support of their Jewish communities while at war. They used letters to keep in touch with family and friends back in Maine. Loved ones supported the war efforts from home, eagerly awaiting the troops’ return. <a href=\\"http://web.colby.edu/jewsinmaine/files/2011/06/Maines-Jewish-heroes.pdf\\">Click here to read more about Maine\'s Jewish Heroes.</a>
<p>Curated By Margie Weiner \'12</p>")
![Civil War sack coat](https://web.colby.edu/jewsinmaine/wp-content/blogs.dir/168/files/war/war3.jpg "This coat is a replica of the kind worn by Lewis Selbing of Augusta, who enlisted in the Third Maine Infantry in 1861. Corporal Selbing was wounded at both the Second Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Chancellorsville. </p>
<p><a href=\\"http://web.colby.edu/jewsinmaine/files/2011/06/7_Item-7.mp3\\">Listen to more about Lewis Selbing</a></p>
<p>Courtesy of Glen Lawson</p>")
Maine’s Jews in America’s Wars
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A collaboration of the Jewish Studies Department and Special Collections at Colby College