Two separate Memorial Day events in the nation’s capital included recognition for the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II.

The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) had the honor of participating in this year’s Memorial Day observance May 27 at Arlington National Cemetery. Later that day, representatives from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and then took part in the traditional parade in town. World War II mariner Dave Yoho served as a grand marshal.
U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II are recognized as veterans; no fewer than 1,235 SIU members lost their lives in the war.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday and is the nation’s primary annual occasion for honoring veterans who died in service to their country. For this year’s event at Arlington, remarks were delivered by President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown. Vice President Kamala Harris also attended the solemn gathering.

PHC Apprentices Eliot Randall, Luis Sanchez, Evan Smith, and Avery Sneed served as flag bearers. They carried the respective flags for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the SIU, the United States, and the State of Maryland.
“I really enjoyed seeing the scope of all the soldiers who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Sanchez said. “It was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. It put into perspective how meaningful and respected Memorial Day is for the entire country.”
AMMV President Dru DiMattia said, “The SIU has done it again! Great representation of our fallen mariners who never made it home.”

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