I am an 81-year-old Merchant Marine combat veteran of World War II. I sailed and delivered military goods and ammunition to our armed forces in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean theaters of war and luckily survived with no disabilities from my war service.
Along with other Merchant Mariners of this conflict, I have been seeking the support of all our U.S. senators to join the 53 senators who have already signed as co-sponsors of Senate Bill S961, “A Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007.”
Sen. Ben Nelson, of Nebraska, introduced the bill which calls for just compensation for the Merchant Mariners of World War II.
When President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill in June 1944, he said, “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the Merchant Marine who have risked their lives time and time again during war for the welfare of their country.” With his death, the Mariners lost one of their most ardent champions.
These Mariners suffered the highest casualty rate of any branch in the military. For every 26 Merchant Mariners who served, one was killed in the line of duty. Yet they were not recognized for their service by the United States government until 1988.
Sadly, some senators seem to be reluctant to sign as co-sponsors of this new bill. A companion bill HR23 was passed unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 30. The bill had the full support of the members of the House of Representatives.
There are approximately 10,000 surviving Merchant Marine veterans whose average age is 83. Many of these veterans have only their monthly Social Security payments to make ends meet. As you can see, there is very little time left to make amends.
We are hopeful that the entire Senate will consider and support this request for our recognition.
This bill is not an entitlement but rather a belated acknowledgment of the role Merchant Mariners played in securing victory in World War II. The numerous Veterans Day celebrations throughout the country reminded us all of how important our armed forces are to our national security and the security of the world. It is high time that our government recognizes the great sacrifices and contributions the Merchant Marines made during the second world war.
Robert E. Felter
Auburn
Sen. Ben Nelson, of Nebraska, introduced the bill which calls for just compensation for the Merchant Mariners of World War II.
When President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill in June 1944, he said, “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the Merchant Marine who have risked their lives time and time again during war for the welfare of their country.” With his death, the Mariners lost one of their most ardent champions.
These Mariners suffered the highest casualty rate of any branch in the military. For every 26 Merchant Mariners who served, one was killed in the line of duty. Yet they were not recognized for their service by the United States government until 1988.
Sadly, some senators seem to be reluctant to sign as co-sponsors of this new bill. A companion bill HR23 was passed unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 30. The bill had the full support of the members of the House of Representatives.
There are approximately 10,000 surviving Merchant Marine veterans whose average age is 83. Many of these veterans have only their monthly Social Security payments to make ends meet. As you can see, there is very little time left to make amends.
We are hopeful that the entire Senate will consider and support this request for our recognition.
This bill is not an entitlement but rather a belated acknowledgment of the role Merchant Mariners played in securing victory in World War II. The numerous Veterans Day celebrations throughout the country reminded us all of how important our armed forces are to our national security and the security of the world. It is high time that our government recognizes the great sacrifices and contributions the Merchant Marines made during the second world war.
Robert E. Felter
Auburn
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brew1234 wrote on Nov 27, 2007 1:23 AM: