Capt. Ralph G. Rohena Jr. | Marco Island, Florida
Marco Island, Florida
On June 6, the 80th anniversary of D-Day, at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, six of the surviving American Merchant Marine WWII Veterans were bestowed the French Legion of Honor medal. France’s highest decoration recognizes eminent services to the French Republic. Each 100+ y/o individual, struggling to stand, was pinned by French President Macron. With the music of the Hanks movie Saving Private Ryan, there was not a dry eye. These Veterans were also honored with the unveiling of a Merchant Marine memorial on June 5 at Utah Beach which highlights the historic significance and the Merchant Marine’s contribution to victory. (You can see both segments on YouTube – 80th Anniversary of D-Day – Unveiling of the U.S. Merchant Marine Memorial). Among them was 107 y/o Reynolds Tomter, who also participated in the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with President Biden, as well as receiving the US Congressional Gold Medal with the other mariner survivors for their service in defending freedom.
Incredibly, it is the French who honor the Merchant Mariner Veterans and not the American Legion of Marco Island.
Merchant Mariner Veterans have been a credit to the Legion, like Robert “Dusty” Rhoads, whose ship approached close to Utah Beach, taking artillery fire while fighting off dive bombers to disgorge men and supplies. He raised funds for the American Legion until 1988, when these mariners gained full Veteran status when Dusty joined the Legion, serving as the post chaplain.
Let them know you want Veteran Events in Veterans Park to include the Merchant Marine. Email City Council and Parks Manager Samantha Malloy.
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