PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION TO PASS H.R. 563, the "Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act."
The World War II Merchant Mariner Veteran played a critical role in victory over Fascism. These brave men bravely carried out their missions and served their country honorably. Yet unlike other veterans of the Greatest Generation, these veterans never received the wartime benefits President Franklin Roosevelt promised for their service and sacrifice.
H.R. 563 would complete the long overdue promise and properly recognize Merchant Mariner World War II service. The legislation would provide a one-time lump sum of $25,000 to each of surviving WWII Merchant Marines.
Many of these veterans are now well into their 90s; fewer than five thousand Merchant marine are living, Time is not on our side.