Benjamin Altheimer

[4] In 1918, Altheimer proposed the institution of Flag Day to President Woodrow Wilson,[5] who declared it a national holiday shortly afterwards.

During the great blizzard of 1912, he introduced the Emergency Relief Association and Bundle Day, which were credited in successfully clothing the poor.

During the yellow fever epidemic in the South, he called for the first meeting for the relief of victims of the disease and was appointed by the mayor of St. Louis to a three-person commission to take charge of the movement.

[3] While living in St. Louis, Altheimer was a founder and trustee of Temple Israel, president of the YMHA, a director of the United Jewish Charities, and vice-chairman of the Mt.

For his work in establishing Bundle Day, he was presented with a loving cup by John J. Glennon, the Archbishop of St. Louis, who referred to him on that occasion as the "Napoleon of charity."

For his work in connection to Flag Day, he was made an honorary member of Jewish War Veterans.