[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 107 (Wednesday, September 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1468-E1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES W. STENHOLM

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2000

  Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of men 
and women who, throughout the history of this great nation, have served 
valiantly during times of wars and peace. The U.S. Merchant Marine 
fleet and the people who crew it, are a critical component of the 
economic strength and national security of America. From the earliest 
days of the Revolutionary War, when Merchant ships carried goods to 
Colonial outposts, through recent operations in Yugoslavia, merchant 
sailors have sailed into harms way to provide support to the Armed 
Forces by carrying the equipment, supplies, and personnel necessary to 
maintain war efforts. Numerous members of the United States Merchant 
Marine have made the ultimate sacrifice to help secure peace and 
freedom. During World War II the Merchant Marine had the greatest 
percentage of lives lost of any military service, with the exception of 
the Marine Corps. Included in that loss were 142 cadet-midshipmen from 
the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
  There are Merchant Mariners and Merchant Marine Veterans all across 
this great nation, even in the land-locked 17th District of Texas,

[[Page E1469]]

and those of us who live there are safer because of their service and 
dedication. The Merchant Marine's role in the defense of this nation is 
under-recognized. Few people realize that in Operation Desert Storm, 
over 95 percent of the equipment, goods, and ammunition used were 
carried to the theater by the American Merchant Marine. This resolution 
serves as a means to honor their service, and I join my colleagues in 
applauding Rep. Kuykendall's work to bring this matter before this Body 
today. I also would like to take this time to pay tribute to 
Representative Bateman, who was one of the biggest supporters of the 
American Merchant Marine. His passing is a great loss to this Body and 
this Nation.
  At a time the people of the United States are benefitting more than 
ever before from the sacrifices made by so many to secure peace and 
prosperity, it is highly appropriate to recognize the service of the 
men and women of the United States Merchant Marine. I urge your support 
of this resolution.

                          ____________________