[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 109 (Friday, June 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             THE LAST AMERICAN FLAG OF THE SS ``JOHN LYKES''

                                 ______


                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 30, 1995
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, when an American flag flies 
on the stern of a Merchant Marine ship for several years, that flag 
becomes a symbol of the values and ideals for which the Merchant Marine 
has fought to preserve and protect in both war and peace. But just as 
important, that same flag becomes a symbol for the pride, dedication, 
and sentiments of the seaman who served on that ship's crew for so many 
years. To scrap the ship, and thus to never let that flag fly again, 
would be a tragic dishonor to the American colors and to the patriotism 
of those servicemen who worked under them.
  Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this is exactly what is happening to the 
SS John Lykes. William Steadman, a constituent from my district, 
recently sent me a copy of a letter to President Clinton from the 
captain, officers, and crew of this Merchant Marine ship which was 
scrapped along with 14 others in 1994. Mr. Speaker, that ship 
represents the culmination of 35 years of service from 87 seamen a year 
in the Merchant Marines. And it is only one of many in the Merchant 
Marine fleet that is suffering this fate. This letter from the captain 
and crew of the SS John Lykes makes a passionate plea to save the 
Merchant Marines. Our servicemen are pleading to us for help, and they 
cannot be ignored. As a member of the former Merchant Marine Committee 
and of the current Merchant Marine panel, I fully understand the 
implications of this terrible process by which the Merchant Marine, 
which has so faithfully served our country in war and peace, is 
becoming extinct. Our Federal Government is making a big mistake, and 
it must be stopped.
  The following letter from the captain and crew of the SS John Lykes 
explains their sentiments very clearly and boldly. I urge President 
Clinton to listen to their message. Though it may be too late to save 
the SS John Lykes, it is our duty to our service members to keep its 
sister ships in the Merchant Marine faithfully serving our country, and 
along with them, the American flag flying proudly.

       Mr. President: Enclosed is the last American flag flown 
     from the stern of the SS John Lykes. One of the 15 Lykes 
     ships scrapped since 1994. This American flag last flew on 
     March 12, 1995, Port of New Orleans. It will never fly at a 
     U.S. port again. This flag represents 35 years of U.S. 
     citizen income taxes paid to the U.S. Government. For every 
     tax dollar spent on cargo preference and subsidies the U.S. 
     Government received back their investment plus 15 percent 
     profit. For 35 years, 87 seamen a year were employed on this 
     ship. Countless mortgages and children's tuition were paid by 
     these seamen during those years, which would not have been 
     possible without the flag you are now holding Mr. President. 
     This flag has made possible the American dream for thousands 
     of merchant seamen and their families. Now the U.S. 
     Government and its agencies are in the process of destroying 
     the U.S. flag fleet. Since 1776 the U.S. Government has 
     treated American seamen with indifference in peacetime, and 
     as a vital resource during war and conflict. Since 1776 
     countless abuses have been heaped on American seamen. But the 
     American seaman has been there for his country for every 
     conflict since then. Now the U.S. Government is on the verge 
     of eliminating the American flag because of corporate greed, 
     putting thousands of seamen out of work. Mr. President, we 
     men of the U.S. merchant marine love our country and love our 
     flag. We also know that patriotism and love of country are 
     not emotions you are born with. They are instilled in you 
     through the years with love from family and faith in God and 
     Country. Mr. President, a flag that is not worth working 
     under, is not worth fighting for, and a flag that is not 
     worth fighting for, is not worth dying for. Mr. President, 
     you have the bridge. You are not responsible for the 
     incompetent policies of the past but you must fight for the 
     American flag just as we do. The American flag will either 
     sink or continue flying proudly on your watch. Signed, 
     Master, Officers and Crew, SS John Lykes.
     

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