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<PRE>[DOCID: f:hc109eh.txt]
107th CONGRESS

  1st Session

                            H. CON. RES. 109

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

  Honoring the services and sacrifices of the United States merchant 
                                marine.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
107th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 109

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Whereas throughout our history, the United States merchant marine has served the 
        Nation during times of war;
Whereas the merchant marine served as the Nation's first navy, and defeated the 
        British Navy to help gain the Nation's independence;
Whereas during World War II more than 250,000 men and women served in the 
        merchant marine, and faced dangers from the elements, and from mines, 
        submarines, other armed enemy vessels, and aircraft;
Whereas during World War II vessels of the merchant marine fleet, such as the 
        S.S. Lane Victory, provided critical logistical support to the Armed 
        Forces by carrying equipment, supplies, and personnel necessary to the 
        war effort;
Whereas President Franklin D. Roosevelt and many military leaders praised the 
        role of the merchant marine as the ``Fourth Arm of Defense'' during 
        World War II;
Whereas during World War II more than 6,800 members of the merchant marine were 
        killed at sea, more than 11,000 were wounded, and more than 600 were 
        taken prisoner;
Whereas 1 out of every 32 members of the merchant marine serving during World 
        War II died in the line of duty, a higher percentage of war related 
        deaths than in any of the armed services;
Whereas, at a time when the people of the United States are recognizing the 
        contributions of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel to the national 
        security, it is appropriate to recognize the service of the merchant 
        marine; and
Whereas the merchant marine continues to serve and protect the United States: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) honors the service and sacrifice of members of the 
        United States merchant marine;
            (2) recognizes the critical role played by vessels of the 
        United States merchant marine fleet in transporting equipment, 
        supplies, and personnel in support of the Nation's defense;
            (3) recognizes the historical significance of May 22 as 
        National Maritime Day, so designated in 1933 to commemorate the 
        anniversary of the first transoceanic voyage under steam 
        propulsion, and finds it fitting and proper on this day of 
        paying tribute to our maritime history to pay special honor to 
        the merchant marine;
            (4) encourages the American people and appropriate 
        government agencies, through appropriate ceremonies and 
        activities, to recognize the services and sacrifices of the 
        United States merchant marine, and to observe this day by 
        displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and 
        other suitable places; and
            (5) requests that all ships sailing under the United States 
        flag prominently display the flag on this day.

            Passed the House of Representatives May 21, 2001.

            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.

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