[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H4815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

  (Ms. HAHN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Maritime 
Day, an opportunity for us to celebrate and salute our mariners who 
have protected this great Nation.
  Since the early days of this Nation, the United States Merchant 
Marine has been the foundation of our economic security, serving as our 
``fourth arm of defense'' in both peace and war. They have been 
essential in bringing food to the world's hungry and delivering 
supplies to our brave men and women overseas in times of war. They have 
done so much for our Nation.
  Today, on National Maritime Day, we take this opportunity to honor 
their service and sacrifice.
  Over 200,000 Merchant Mariners served in World War II, and more than 
8,000 lost their lives in enemy waters, a rate higher than any 
uniformed service. Unfortunately, these brave men were not eligible for 
the GI Bill that helped millions of veterans go to college and buy a 
home.
  That is why I have introduced the Honoring our World War II Merchant 
Mariners Act of 2013. This bill would provide just $1,000 in monthly 
benefits to the nearly 10,000 surviving World War II Mariners.
  I would like to give a shout out to the American Merchant Marine 
Veterans Memorial Committee in San Pedro that is honoring our Merchant 
Mariners.

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