Yesterday, I had the honor of addressing hundreds of dedicated U.S. servicemen and women, as well as their family members, loved ones and friends at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall here in Washington, DC.  As a retired career naval officer, it was a special privilege for me to lead this heartfelt Veterans Day tribute to all of the members of the United States Armed Forces—from the hundreds of thousands who perished in past wars and conflicts, to the millions who stood with them, and especially those proudly serving today both at home and abroad.

As we reaffirmed the noble legacy of our veterans in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—I also underscored the critical role and service of the U.S. Merchant Marine in every major overseas war involving our nation.  While our military members have braved the line of fire in many battles, it is crucial that they get to the conflict, and it is crucial that they have the supplies and equipment to win the fight.

And, from World War I to the present day, U.S. Merchant Mariners and U.S. Flag vessels have been the foundation of that immensely valuable national capability.

Brave U.S. Merchant Mariners like Phil Warner and Arthur Murray used their training and certifications earned at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and State University of New York Maritime College (respectively) to enlist in the 1940s and serve on U.S. Flag Vessels that carried jeeps, ammunition, aviation gasoline, and more overseas to the theaters of World War II.  They entered service not knowing if their vessels would be torpedoed, shelled, or bombed —sharing the fate of over 1,500 U.S. Merchant Marine ships carrying supplies for the war effort.  Thankfully, both Phil and Arthur’s vessels survived the conflict, and both men were on-hand to join me in laying memorial wreaths for fallen service members this Veterans Day.

Despite the U.S. Merchant Marine experiencing one of the highest casualty loss of any of our Nation’s service branches in World War II, the contributions of U.S. Merchant Mariners were so central to our success that President Franklin D. Roosevelt referred to the civilian service as “our nation’s fourth arm of defense.”

As I stressed to those gathered at the World War II Memorial, on Veterans Day we honor the service and valor of Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines and and Coast Guardsmen, but any true and pertinent observance of this national holiday will pay tribute to all Americans who have participated in our war efforts.  That must include the unheralded heroes of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the accomplished and bold souls who kept our factories running during both World Wars, the Federal Civilians who provided medical care in and near war zones, and the family members whose strong support helped countless veterans through difficult times in service and eased their adjustment to civilian life.

We are a grateful Nation, and we thank you for your service.