Merchant Marine vets may yet be honored World War II has been over for 62 years and one group of men that served never has been recognized for its heroism. These are the men of the Merchant Marine and Army Transport Service. Legal age to enter service was 17 with permission during the war, but many younger men enlisted by lying about their age. Many chose the Merchant Marine because legal age was 16. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the GI Bill in 1944, he stated, "I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the Merchant Marine who have risked their lives time and time again during war for the welfare of our country." Now all these years later, the few Merchant Marine war veterans still alive would like to see Senate Bill S961 passed. The House of Representatives passed the bill in 2007. Our two Arizona senators, Jon Kyl and John McCain, have not signed on even though 57 other senators have. The bill is known as the "Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II."
Hi Andy, It was not only the Merchant Marine/Navy of the British and Commonwealth that were not recognised, but the same for the U.S. I am surprised that Senator John McCain, an ex Vietnam war veteran, has not bothered to sign the Bill - must have other things on his mind right now eh! Thanks for the link. Regards Hugh
Yes, I was thinking along the same lines re McCain, Hugh. Still, to me, something like that is an important thing to do whether you're running for President or running the bath!
