The U.S. House of Representatives on July 30 passed H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007.The bill would establish a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide monthly payments in the amount of $1,000 to qualifying members of the United States Merchant Marine who served during World War II. H.R. 23 includes qualifying members of the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service.
“The House of Representatives took the opportunity to correct a grave injustice heaped upon the gallant men of the Merchant Marine of World War II," stated House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bob Filner (D-Calif.). “We call our veterans ‘heroes’ for a reason and the heroes from past wars deserve all the care and dignity that this nation can bestow. We will work boldly and tirelessly to move this legislation forward.”
He added, “I am pleased that the House of Representatives passed The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. The heroic and brave service of these veterans has gone unheralded by this country for too long. We owe these heroes a thank you and today, we are one step closer to righting this wrong – once and for all. These veterans kept their promises to serve our country and it is not too late to keep our promises to those that have fought for our country.”
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