[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1202-E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

                                 ______


                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 1995
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay homage to America's 
merchant mariners. As you may be aware, each year, at the request of 
the Congress, the President declares May 22 as National Maritime Day to 
honor the Nation's merchant mariners. The significance of National 
Maritime Day was marked the week of May 21 with special ceremonies and 
events held in Washington, DC, and cities throughout the country.
  Fifty years ago, on Maritime Day in 1945, the leaders of the U.S. 
Armed Forces, including General Eisenhower and Admiral Nimitz, praised 
the American merchant mariners who sailed on civilian merchant ships 
moving war materials to Europe and the Far East. These men and ships 
participated in every landing operation of the Marine Corps in the 
Pacific. Their skill and courage made a vital difference to our Armed 
Forces in the European and Pacific theaters of World War II. The 
American merchant marine later provided strong support to our Armed 
Forces during the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.
  As a Vietnam veteran, I was grateful for the assistance of the 
civilian merchant mariners. [[Page E1203]] In fact, 172 Victory Ships 
were activated during Vietnam as part of the Maritime Administration's 
National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF). A crew of approximately 35-45 
U.S. citizen merchant mariners manned each vessel. I wish to extend a 
special thanks to the 15,000 or so merchant mariners who crewed the 
various National Defense Reserve Fleet ships throughout my time in 
Vietnam. Any member of the Armed Forces will tell you that the 
cooperation of the entire organization is needed to retain order, 
readiness, and fighting efficiency. As I flew over Vietnam, I was 
grateful for our dedicated mariners at sea.
  As we pay tribute to their service to this country, remember that the 
American mariners need U.S.-flag ships to sail on in peacetime in order 
to be available to us in emergencies. Unless a maritime bill is enacted 
this year, our U.S.-flag presence in international trade is likely to 
vanish, along with civilian sealift support and seafaring jobs. I urge 
you to support our mariners by supporting H.R. 1350, the Maritime 
Security Act of 1995.


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