Today is Veterans Day, at least in the USA. I think in lots of other countries, they celebrate Armistice Day instead. It seems to be basically the same holiday.
To remember those who served in the armed services.
I noticed quite a few special things going on today for military people. Lots of restaurants giving out free meals to veterans, free drinks in the bars, special sales in stores, even parades in some places.
That’s nice, I thought. I also thought it would be nice if the Merchant Marines were included in these things. I know in the USA we also have to swear an oath before we get our documents.
We don’t usually sign on for only 4 years either. I’ve had my ticket since I got my AB limited in 1979 or so. If I was in the Navy or US Coast Guard, I would be retired by now with some nice benefits and of course, have a special day (today).
I wonder why we’re never remembered for OUR services?
One reason is probably because we’re never mentioned in school or media. Most people have no idea about the Merchant Marine. Who we are, what we do, what are we there for?
I know we have Maritime Day in May, but it’s not like it’s a holiday or anything and almost nobody even knows about it.
Things have changed a lot in the last 50 years. People have forgotten how much the Merchant Marine has always been important to their lives (and still is- check out the book Ninety Percent of Everything).
It would be nice if people would have at least a thought for us today. Maybe remember we had more casualties than any of the other services. We lost so many ships (and men), something like 1500 American ships! That is not even taking into account all those lost from other countries!
Maybe think about all the hell mariners went through to deliver the arms, men, materials, to the fighting forces overseas. Some of them had their ships shot out from under them 2, 3 times and they still returned to sail again. One guy (Harold Harper) had his ship torpedoed 6 times! Another lost his ship 10 times! And they still came back for more. Yet, the Merchant Marine still gets almost no recognition. 🙁
The Maritime Executive Magazine has a nice article today. They’re one of the few places I’ve seen any mention of the Merchant Marines role and relationship to Veterans Day. I thank them for it and will hope they get a widespread readership. I hope you’ll check out their link (and the other ones I’ve made today).
Hope you all had a good holiday. I appreciate all the people who tried so hard to do what they thought was right.
US Merchant Marine flag
Great post. The Merchant marines deserve much more credit than they have ever been given. My wife’s uncle was torpedoed in the North Atlantic and still had people say things like, “but you didn’t serve in the war.” Your case is similar to that of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. They finally gained veteran’s status in1977 for their WWII service. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_Airforce_Service_Pilots
Thanks! I’m glad you liked and appreciated it. It seems most people have to have known someone personally like you did to understand. Even most people in the military don’t understand anymore.
Yes, some of the USMM did finally get recognition by the government, but not all of them. not by a long shot. And most of the WWII mariners are dead already, the few who are left are too old to get much out of anything offered at this point. Its a real shame how they were treated.
My great uncle was in the Merchant Navy and my grandfather was part of the Air Sea Rescue and repair teams during WWII. I do think people often forget that there are many others behind the scenes assisting those ‘on the front line’ yet they are equally as important. So you do right to stand up and make sure they’re remembered!
Thank you Haylee, I’m glad you appreciate what I tried to do here. I think it’s sad that the mariners have been in EVERY war we’ve ever had here, taken more casualties than any other service, and yet we get NO recognition. And what few benefits we used to have (given by private citizens) have been taken away from us over the years. I guess it’s because we’re not (usually) drafted, but most military people are not (and were not) drafted either. Hell, we’re not even allowed to defend ourselves when they’re shooting at us!