IV

107TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 109

Honoring the services and sacrifices of the United States merchant marine.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

APRIL 25, 2001

Mr. LATOURETTE submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was

referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in

addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such

provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Honoring the services and sacrifices of the United States

merchant marine.

Whereas throughout our history, the United States merchant

marine has served the Nation during times of war;

Whereas the merchant marine served as the Nation’s first

navy, and defeated the British Navy to help gain the Nation’s independence;

Whereas during World War II more than 250,000 men and

women served in the merchant marine, and faced dangers

from the elements, and from mines, submarines, other

armed enemy vessels, and aircraft;

Whereas during World War II vessels of the merchant marine

fleet, such as the S.S. Lane Victory, provided critical
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logistical support to the Armed Forces by carrying equipment, supplies, and personnel necessary to the war effort;

Whereas President Franklin D. Roosevelt and many military

leaders praised the role of the merchant marine as the

‘‘Fourth Arm of Defense’’ during World War II;

Whereas during World War II more than 6,800 members of

the merchant marine were killed at sea, more than

11,000 were wounded, and more than 600 were taken

prisoner;

Whereas 1 out of every 32 members of the merchant marine

serving during World War II died in the line of duty, a

higher percentage of war related deaths than in any of

the armed services;

Whereas, at a time when the people of the United States are

recognizing the contributions of the Armed Forces and

civilian personnel to the national security, it is appropriate to recognize the service of the merchant marine;

and

Whereas the merchant marine continues to serve and protect

the United States: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress—

3 (1) honors the service and sacrifice of members

4 of the United States merchant marine;

5 (2) recognizes the critical role played by vessels

6 of the United States merchant marine fleet in trans7 porting equipment, supplies, and personnel in sup8 port of the Nation’s defense;
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1 (3) recognizes the historical significance of May

2 22 as National Maritime Day, so designated in 1933

3 to commemorate the anniversary of the first trans4 oceanic voyage under steam propulsion, and finds it

5 fitting and proper on this day of paying tribute to

6 our maritime history to pay special honor to the

7 merchant marine;

8 (4) encourages the American people and appro9 priate government agencies, through appropriate

10 ceremonies and activities, to recognize the services

11 and sacrifices of the United States merchant marine,

12 and to observe this day by displaying the flag of the

13 United States at their homes and other suitable

14 places; and

15 (5) requests that all ships sailing under the

16 United States flag prominently display the flag on

17 this day.

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