On the recordMay 22, 2013
For over 200 years, the U.S. Merchant Marine has been a pillar in the foundation of our country's national security and economic growth, and so it is fitting that every year on May 22 we celebrate National Maritime Day in recognition of their service and sacrifice across the centuries. On this day, we reflect on the service of the men and women of the Merchant Marine who served during World War II, many thousands of whom died in delivering the arsenal of democracy over the seas to the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. Merchant mariners died at a higher rate in World War II than any uniformed service. Unfortunately, the veterans of the Merchant Marine who risked their lives in the service of this Nation and of all freedom-loving nations were never eligible for the provisions of the GI Bill, which helped millions of veterans go to college, secure a home, and transition seamlessly into civilian life. That's why I have introduced the Honoring Our World War II Merchant Mariners Act of 2013. This bill would provide a $1,000 monthly benefit to the nearly 10,000 surviving World War II mariners. By providing this modest benefit, we will finally be giving our brave merchant mariners the recognition and benefits they deserve. ____________________
