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MARAD 07-04
Contact: Wes Irvin,
Tel.: (202) 366-5807
Thursday, May 20,
2004
U.S. Transportation Secretary Honors U.S. Merchant Marine on National
Maritime Day
Receives National D-Day Museum’s American Spirit Medallion
As part of the celebration of National Maritime Day, U.S. Secretary of
Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today honored the men and women of the U.S.
merchant marine who risk their lives on wartime seas. This year’s ceremony at
Navy Memorial Auditorium paid special tribute to the action of mariners during
World War II.
Following the presentation of the colors and a moment of silence, Secretary
Mineta spoke of WWII merchant mariners who sacrificed their lives in service to
the nation. “They traveled unarmed, often into dangerous waters, to support our
Armed Forces overseas. Their work was vital to the Allied cause, and without
their sacrifice our freedom might have been lost.”
Merchant mariners crewed the Liberty ships, the Victory ships, and thousands of
other ships that carried troops and many tons of materiel for the Allied cause
in World War II. Nearly 215,000 people served in the U.S. Merchant Marine in
World War II, and nearly one mariner in 30 died in the line of duty. In fact,
the Merchant Marine suffered higher casualty rates than any branch of the Armed
Services except the Marine Corps.
The Secretary also received the American Spirit Medallion, which was presented
by National D-Day Museum President and CEO Gordon H. Mueller. The American
Spirit Medallion is awarded to individuals who exemplify the optimism, courage
and sacrifice that characterizes what has been called the “greatest generation.”
“I am deeply honored to receive the American Spirit Medallion,” said Secretary
Mineta. “I genuinely appreciate the fine work that all of you do at the museum
every day.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administrator Captain William
G. Schubert noted that the U.S. Merchant Marine was founded in 1775, and has
served in every conflict in United States history. “Merchant Mariners were ready
to serve their country at a moment’s notice in the past, are prepared to do so
now, and will continue to be prepared in the future,” he said.
Maritime Day was established in 1933, and honors the courage, vision, and
achievements of the American Merchant Marine. The ceremony was attended by
merchant marine veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War,
and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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