Create a memorial for Merchant Marines serving in WWII

My Grandfather , at age sixty three, volunteered into the Merchant Marines, during WWII. He sailed the Murmansk Run with many other brave men. Leaders of the Allied countries had extremely poor expectation that these ships would get through the extreme danger from German ships, German air attacks and the North Sea, itself.
Adequate convoy protection was often unavailable. Most ships were lost.Many died, trying to get arms, to the Allies.
Because they were civilians, there were no medals and no National Monuments to commemorate or honor their service. There is no mention in textbooks. I am trying to have the important service of all those men, recognized. They were heros. They were part of history.What history would we have if supplies hadn't gotten to the Allies.