[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 64 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

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                            HON. PAT DANNER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2000

  Ms. DANNER. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the hundreds of 
thousands of United States Merchant Mariners who have courageously 
served our country during times of peace and war. Congress established 
National Maritime Day in 1933 to recognize the vital contributions of 
all American seamen throughout our nation's rich maritime history. This 
day would soon come to hold special meaning in honor of those merchant 
mariners who served in defense of American freedoms during WWII. On 
behalf of Kansas City resident Marshall Garry, I feel privileged to 
honor their accomplishments today.
  As legendary Navy Admiral Chester A. Nimitz wrote following the 
Allied victory in 1945, ``Not one of us who fought in the late war can 
forget--nor should any citizen be allowed to forget--that the national 
resource which enabled us to carry the war to the enemy and fight in 
his territory and not our own was our Merchant Marine.'' The Merchant 
Marine played a vital role in our nation's greatest victory, indeed 
almost 7,000 mariners--or one in 32 personnel--would make the ultimate 
sacrifice in honor of our country.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join with me in 
commemorating the extraordinary, yet often forgotten, accomplishments 
of these brave individuals. Our nation is forever indebted to their 
service and I honor them today on this, America's 67th celebration of 
National Maritime Day.

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