Merchant Marine Bill not signed by John McCain

Merchant Marine vets may yet be honored
Art Sloane
Special to the Republic
Feb. 5, 2008 12:55 PM

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."

• Throughout the Valley are collection points for used clothing, shoes, etc. These containers are marked Loved Ones Lost. A portion of the clothing collected goes to veterans' charities. In addition, there are two thrift shops. The organization is donating clothing to Stand Down For Homeless Veterans the weekend of Feb 15-17. For the collection depot nearest you call 480-252-1270.

Organizers of the Stand Down still need many items, such as backpacks. It is estimated that there are more than 3,000 homeless veterans on the streets of the Valley. 602-305-8585.
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