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DEMOCRATIC PRESS RELEASE

May 22, 2007

Congress Passes Resolution to Recognize the Service of United States Merchant Marine Veterans on National Maritime Day

Washington, D.C. – Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Bob Filner spoke on the House Floor today in support of H. Res. 413, which recognizes the service of United States Merchant Marine veterans. The resolution, introduced by Chairman Filner, passed by voice vote and recognizes the heroic and brave service of the Merchant Marine veterans. Below are the Chairman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a Resolution that I introduced, H. Res 413, to recognize the heroic and brave service of the Merchant Marine veterans--who have gone unheralded by this country for far too long.

“I cannot conceive of a better time to do this than on National Maritime Day which has been celebrated on May 22nd since 1933. The Day is intended to recognize the invaluable role that the maritime industry in general and the Merchant Marine in particular serve to our nation’s economy and security. Throughout our nation’s history, the Merchant Marine has played a crucial part in ensuring our freedom and security during war and in transporting our commerce during peace.

“National Maritime Day was conceptualized by FDR, a former assistant Secretary of the Navy, who firmly believed, and very accurately so, that the nation needed a strong Merchant Marine to serve as an auxiliary to our naval and other military forces during war. In fact, the Merchant Marine has participated in every war since serving as the nation’s first Navy, helping George Washington’s Continental Army defeat the British.

“After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 29 Merchant Marine Academy cadets operated a fleet of boats in New York Harbor, transporting fire fighters and other emergency equipment workers and medical supplies.

“It is interesting to note that the United States Merchant Marine Academy is the only one of our five military academies that will send its cadets into war--we lost 142 of those cadets during WWII.

“Today, more than 8,000 Merchant Mariners serve in the Military Sealift Command, most working in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“As many of my colleagues are aware, as cosponsors of my bill H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Marine of WWII Act of 2007, the Merchant Marine veterans of WWII traversed the dangerous U-boat laden waters of the Atlantic and Pacific, faced down fierce air attacks from Kamikaze planes and were instrumental in every theater of war by carrying 95% of all tanks, supplies and troops during WWII.

“As a result, they suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the military branches. It is indisputable that the Allied Forces would not have been able to begin, sustain or end WWII without their valiant and selfless service.

“When I first heard of the plight of the Merchant Marine of WWII, I could not believe the treatment they had received. After the war they did not receive the recognition as veterans that they deserved or the benefits of the GI Bill of 1944 which they had earned. Their fight for equity continued for over forty years when they finally attained veteran status after a lengthy court battle. By then, over 125,000 Mariners had died.

“I actually had the privilege of receiving the heart wrenching testimony during a hearing before the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of one of the named parties to this lawsuit, a Merchant Mariner named Stanley Willner. Stanley Willner was captured, interned, beaten, starved and tortured as a POW for three years. He actually was one of the unfortunate group of Allied Forces who was forced to build the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.

“Upon release he weighed a mere 74 pounds. When he returned home his wife did not even recognize him.

“Well, neither did his country! This brave Merchant Mariner received just two weeks of medical care and little else. What a travesty of justice!

“Mr. Speaker, there are many more stories like this to tell about the Merchant Mariners of WWII--of opportunities lost and dreams foreclosed.

“Today, the average age of the Merchant Mariners of WWII is around 83. It is long overdue that we treat these veterans the same as we try to do with all other veterans-- do our best to make them whole again.

“As such, in recognition of the 74th anniversary celebration of National Maritime Day, I invite you to join me in recognizing the brave men and women of the sea, who like the Merchant Marine veterans of WWII did, serve selflessly to ensure our Nation’s continued safety and prosperity, by voting in favor of this Resolution.”

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Larry Scott

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