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OPA News Release: [05/22/2003]
Contact Name: Lisa
Gates
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Honors Merchant
Mariners and Shipyard Workers for their Service and Sacrifice
Ceremony Recognizes 60th Anniversary of
the End of the Battle for the North Atlantic
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today
joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and Maritime
Administrator Captain William G. Schubert at the National Maritime Day
ceremony. This year’s ceremony recognized, May 22, 1943, the
60th anniversary of the end of the Battle for the North Atlantic. To
honor the role shipyard workers played in winning the battle, Secretary Chao
recognized Lula Helsel Burnopp of Millersville, Md., a welder in the Baltimore
shipyards, and George A. Majors, Sr. of Chester, Pa., who worked in the
Philadelphia shipyards.
Secretary Chao’s statement:
“On this National Maritime Day, 2003, I ask all Americans to honor
those who serve in the United States Merchant Marine and to remember those
merchant mariners who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in
the service of our country.
“The record of our merchant mariners and their contribution to our
nation is long and distinguished. Their history of devoted service—in both
war and peace—is an inspiration to every generation of Americans. Their
tradition of courage, patriotism and perseverance has become an integral part
of our nation’s heritage.
“Today, merchant mariners are on duty crewing auxiliary vessels for
the United States Navy. They stand ever ready to respond to those situations
when commercial ships are called upon to support military operations overseas.
More than 5,000 U.S. merchant mariners put themselves in harm’s way to
transport much needed equipment and supplies to our troops serving in Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. These brave mariners are now
transporting food and machinery to help feed the people of Iraq and rebuild
their country. These events have proven, once again, that a U.S.-flag merchant
marine has an important role to play in our nation’s security.
“The United States in the 21st Century is the single
largest national economy in the world and a premier force in international
trade. America needs a strong merchant marine to carry our commerce, promote
our exports and support our national defense.
“National Maritime Day 2003 keeps alive the memory of seafarers who
sacrificed for us in the past and who honor us today with their committed
service. It is altogether fitting to pay our respects to these men and women
who have always been ready to assist in America’s defense.”
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