THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 29, 1996 TAG: 9605290004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
May 22 was the annual celebration of National Maritime Day. I did not see or hear a single word in the local or national media to commemorate this significant event.
National Maritime Day is celebrated to recognize the contributions of those who have previously served and are currently serving in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Included among those honored are the 142 midshipmen of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy who gave their lives (along with scores of others) in service to their country on board merchant ships during World War II.
Merchant mariners in World War II lost their lives at a percentage rate second only to the U.S. Marine Corps among U.S. forces.
Although the current state of the U.S. maritime industry is a far cry from what it once was, I ask all to pay tribute to past and present mariners, who adhere to the motto of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ACTA NON VERBA - Deeds Not Words.
PAUL SZEJK, president
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Alumni Association
Hampton Roads Chapter
Virginia Beach, May 23, 1996 by CNB