HR0890 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0890 LRB096 18729 GRL 34114 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Ships of all types sail through the waters in and around our nation every day; and

WHEREAS, These vessels, which are owned by U.S. companies and are registered and operated under the American flag, make up the United States Merchant Marine; and

WHEREAS, In accordance with the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, merchant marines are considered military personnel during war time; and

WHEREAS, During war or national emergency, the Merchant Marine is responsible for delivering military supplies to our armed forces and allies overseas; and

WHEREAS, The role of non-uniformed merchant sailors in World War II was one of the most dangerous and important of the war; and

WHEREAS, Defenseless or lightly armed private merchant ships, facing the same dangers as Navy personnel sailing hostile waters, carried supplies to our soldiers fighting overseas; and

WHEREAS, Hundreds of ships and thousands of men were lost to enemy submarines and aircraft during World War II; and

WHEREAS, There is currently a bill pending in Congress that would allow the merchant marines of World War II to receive benefits for their service; and

WHEREAS, The merchant marines served loyally in times of great danger in defense of their country; it is only fitting and proper that these brave men be given their just reward; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the federal government to adopt legislation allowing merchant marines who served during World War II to receive benefits for their service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the members of the Illinois congressional delegation.