Forgotten heroes deserve our gratitude

To the editor:

Attending the recent Cedar Rapids Veterans Day ceremony was truly inspirational and it was an honor to be in the presence of the men and women who have served our country.

But it was yet another year when there was no recognition locally or nationally of those who have served and sacrificed their lives as volunteer Merchant mariners. During World War II the Merchant Marine vessels carried soldiers, munitions, food and other supplies to the most dangerous of war zones in all parts of the world. Their critical cargoes made these ships a prime target of our enemies resulting in the Merchant Marine having the highest casualty rate of all World War II services (www.usmm.org/casualty.html, Merchant Marine 1 in 26, Marines 1 in 34, Army 1 in 48, Navy 1 in 114, Coast Guard 1 in 421). Yet returning from the war they received no GI bill, they have received no veterans benefits, and the wounded and now elderly have never been eligible to get help from our VA hospitals. These men are truly forgotten heroes that gave their lives and sacrificed for their country.

So to all the Merchant mariners, I salute you for your service. We owe you a debt of gratitude.

Ken Stinson

Son of a World War II Merchant Marine

Robins