[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2007

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 
413, which recognizes the service of United States Merchant Marine 
Veterans. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important 
resolution.
  United States Merchant Mariners played a critical role during World 
War II, delivering troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other 
needed supplies to every theater of the war. The Merchant Mariners were 
the necessary link between the supplies that were manufactured in the 
U.S. and used overseas.
  The Merchant Mariners took part in every invasion from Normandy to 
Okinawa and suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the branches 
of the Armed Forces. Despite their valiant service, the U.S. Merchant 
Marines were not included in the 1944 G.I. Bill of Rights. In 1988, 
they were finally granted veteran status, but some portions of the G.I. 
Bill have never been made available to the Merchant Marines and the 
lost benefits can never be recouped.
  In April I had the opportunity to deliver testimony to the Veterans 
Affairs Committee on behalf of my constituent, World War II Merchant 
Marine veteran Bruce Felknor, urging support of H.R. 23, the Belated 
Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. I hope 
that the 110th Congress will enact that important legislation into law 
as well.
  I'm so pleased that the Merchant Mariners are finally getting the 
respect and attention they deserve for their service and sacrifice to 
our country. For more than 40 years, their remarkable and distinguished 
service has gone by virtually unnoticed by our government and people.
  Again, I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 413.

                          ____________________