US Merchant Marines Deserve Recognition

As a Marco resident in 2019, I attended the Memorial Day Service at Veterans Park and was disturbed that the US Merchant Marine was not recognized. These mariners on board US merchant ships in WWII died at the rate of one in 26 which is the highest rate of casualties in any of the services. 

I was able to get the US Merchant Marine recognized at the following year's event, hosted by American Legion 404, which saluted the role they played. However no flag or service song was presented like the other services. No recognition was made at subsequent events, however Space Force was added though they didn’t exist until 2019. As a Master Mariner in the Merchant Marine and a Naval Officer, it was my honor to sail with many WWII merchant mariners through the 70’s and 80’s. Their stories of heroism are epic. 

To this day, the US Merchant Marine is the backbone of any military venture and yet lapses in recognition add to the injustice committed to some of the greatest patriots in our history. 

The Government bestowed Veterans status on them in 1988 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. Cape Coral recognizes them with a monument and flag flying proudly amongst the other services. C’mon American Legion 404, the Merchant Marine deserves to have their flag and service song played at your events. Seafarers who performed so outstandingly in a time of need and sacrifice left a legacy and tradition which must be remembered and cherished.