[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING U.S. MERCHANT MARINE

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                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2011

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the tremendous 
work accomplished by the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II.
  Those who served on ships in the Merchant Marine risked their lives 
and welfare during World War II to protect our country. Like our other 
service members, the Merchant Marine members served in both theaters of 
war. They faced enemy fire, floating mines and other dangerous 
conditions. Unfortunately the risks faced by these brave men have often 
been forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, one of my constituents, Jacena Brahm, wrote me a letter 
to tell me about her husband, Vernon Lee Brahm, who served in the U.S. 
Merchant Marine. I'm proud to recognize Mr. Brahm and all the brave men 
who served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. These men 
committed their lives to America's cause by leaving their families and 
their homes and putting themselves in harm's way to help win the war. I 
commend these brave souls for all that they did to ensure our freedom. 
The Merchant Marine helped lead us to victory.
  The sacrifices of our veterans have been appreciated throughout the 
history of our nation, and that demonstration of respect should not be 
denied to those in Merchant Marine who also defended our nations' 
interests in World War II.

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