[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 BELATED THANK YOU TO THE MERCHANT MARINERS OF WORLD WAR II ACT OF 2009

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                               speech of

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2009

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Merchant Mariners 
who served during World War II. Tasked with delivering troops, tanks, 
food, airplanes, fuel and other supplies to war theaters, Merchant 
Mariners suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the branch of the 
service. Their bravery for our country deserves recognition.
  I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 23, the ``Belated Thank You to the 
Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009.'' This legislation will 
provide certain honorably discharged U.S. Merchant Marine veterans with 
a monthly $1,000 benefit.
  With each passing year, there are fewer surviving Merchant Marine 
veterans. I urge my colleagues in the House and the Senate to join me 
in supporting H.R. 23 to give these veterans their recognition.

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