American Merchant Marine Veterans, Inc. (AMMV) @AMMWWII

The memoirs/book from the late Captain Hugh Stephens is now available from Amazon: amazon.com/Still-Afloat-L…

ACTION NEEDED to save #WWII historic merchant marine training facility building. We are pleased to share that the nomination of the historic WWII-era Seamanship training building, Glory of the Seas Hall, in Alameda, CA is moving forward for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places after years of research and advocacy. Built in 1942 as part of the U.S. Maritime Service Officers Training School, the Glory of the Seas Hall stands as a lasting tribute to the 6,513 Merchant Marine officers who trained in Alameda during World War II. The nomination will be considered by the California State Historical Resources Commission on August 7, 2026 at 9AM in Sacramento, CA and on Zoom, and has been recommended for approval by state historians. This effort began in 2021 as a broader campaign to preserve the remaining buildings of the wartime training center. While not every preservation goal was achieved, we have remained committed to ensuring that the service and sacrifice of America's Merchant Mariners are recognized and remembered. The nomination is the result of hundreds of hours of research in the National Archives, museum collections, university libraries, and historical records that had not been examined for decades. Today, AMMV is asking for your help. If you are a Merchant Marine veteran, maritime professional, maritime historian, family member, or supporter of maritime heritage, please consider writing a brief letter of support for the nomination. Your voice can help demonstrate the national significance of this site and the importance of preserving the history of the U.S. Merchant Marine. To learn more: • See Pending Nominations: ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24368 • Nomination Document: ohp.parks.ca.gov/.../CA_Alameda…... Letters of support may be sent to: 📧 [email protected] Or by mail to: Office of Historic Preservation Attn: Julianne Polanco P.O. Box 94296 Sacramento, CA 94296 Thank you to everyone who has contributed their knowledge, research, encouragement, and support throughout this journey. Together, we can help ensure that the legacy of the American Merchant Marine and those who served our nation during World War II is preserved for future generations. AMMV thanks Carmen Reid for her longstanding work and initiative with this project, and for providing the above details and information. Let's save this building! See less

Dues reminder: AMMV membership dues expire at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. If you're a member, it's almost time to renew! Enjoy a savings if you renew at the 2 or 3-year rate. Not a member yet? Click here to join or renew: ammv.us/member-at-larg…

@daveyoho facebook.com/reel/345594690…

Must see: Dave Yoho at the WWII Memorial on May 23. @WWIIMemorial Media Producer - Ross Rowlinson #HeaveHo #mariner #WW2 #WWII #InPeaceAndWar #veteran #honor #sacrifice #USA #MerchantMarine #service

On Friday, @USDOT hosted National Maritime Day, recognizing the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of the United States Merchant Marine. From honoring the heroes of our past to investing in the maritime leaders of tomorrow, we aren't just admiring maritime history, we're making it. 🇺🇸

A little rain couldn't stop #AMMV members from honoring #WW2 mariners and veterans this past Saturday at the WWII Monument in DC. #HeaveHo!

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#WWII & #AMMV member Dave Yoho foxnews.com/us/wwii-vet-gi…

#AMMV once again participated in the National Maritime Day program at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, we remembered and honored those who gave all. #Freedom

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Two #WW2 mariners participated in the Memorial Day parade in Washington, DC today: James Quinn (L) and Clifford Richardson, sponsored by AVC on a U-Haul parade float.

All gave some, some gave all. On this #MemorialDay2026, we remember and pay tribute to those who gave all, including the estimated 8,421 merchant mariners who lost their lives in WWII. Some sources have that number much higher, #Freedom #sacrifice #Honor #USA #InPeaceAndWar #MerchantMarine #WeDeliver #mariner #WW2 #WWII #Arlington

#AMMV is appreciative of the recognition for the Outstanding Achievement mariner medals awarded to past and current national officers on National Maritime Day. #DOT #HeaveHo #WeDeliver #MerchantMarine #mariner

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Here is the official #DOT video from the Outstanding Achievement medals awarded to #AMMV officers on #NationalMaritimeDay. #HeaveHo! facebook.com/reel/168011260…

Happy National Maritime Day #InPeaceAndWar

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Here is the livestream link to the National Maritime Day program at DOT HQ tomorrow, which will be attended by several AMMV representatives and officers: youtube.com/live/W_hL_3NVj… #HeaveHo! #NationalMaritimeDay #mariner #AMMV #shipping #maritime #MerchantMarineVeteran #USA #InPeaceAndWar

PRESS RELEASE RELEASE DATE: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice of U.S. Merchant Mariners WASHINGTON, DC –Monday, May 25, 2026. On National Memorial Day, the United States will honor the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving aboard U.S. merchant ships during times of military conflict. Members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, Inc. (AMMV) and U.S. Merchant Marine veterans from World War II will honor their shipmates and family members who were killed in action or lost at sea by attending events at Arlington National Cemetery beginning at 10:45 AM EST, including laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and participating in the National Memorial Day Parade on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC that starts at 10:00 AM EST. “On Memorial Day, Americans should salute fallen U.S. Merchant Mariners, including more than 9,500 Merchant Marine officers and crew members killed in action or missing at sea during World War II, who served in war zones under the command of U.S. military sealift operations. Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day and participating in the National Memorial Day Parade are fitting tributes for our nation to honor thousands of U.S. Merchant Mariners who gave their lives during military conflicts,” said AMMV president and active U.S. Merchant Marine Capt. Darin Huggins. Knowing how important families are to those men and women who serve at sea, Capt. Huggins said, “We also honor their surviving families and loved ones, as our nation remembers all service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in times of war. In addition, AMMV is proud to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and colonial Merchant Mariners who contributed to victory during the Revolutionary War.” Though U.S. Merchant Mariners contributed to all major U.S. military operations since 1776, this is only the fourth time that AMMV and Merchant Marine veterans have been invited to participate in the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Family members of the late John Courcomelis and the late Sheldon C. Meade, two World War II Merchant Marine veterans, will be escorted to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After presentations by President Trump, senior cabinet and military leaders, and the presentation of the U.S. Merchant Marine colors by apprentices from The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, a commemorative wreath will be laid in honor and remembrance of U.S. Merchant Mariners lost during military conflicts. The Meade family will honor the late Ordinary Seaman Meade, who was killed when about 100 German bombers surprised dozens of merchant ships anchored in the harbor at Bari, Italy on December 2, 1943. Most of the Allies’ ships in the harbor were damaged or destroyed, including the Liberty ship, the SS John Harvey. The Liberty ship was carrying 2,000 mustard gas bombs that were ordered by a British general to retaliate against the enemy if chemical munitions were used during WWII. When the John Harvey was bombed, it exploded and released mustard gas that killed thousands of military personnel, merchant sailors, and civilians. The raid was called the “second Pearl Harbor” because the Allies were completely surprised by the raid. In a separate Memorial Day event, U.S. Merchant Marine veterans from WWII, Dave Yoho (Grand Marshall for the National Memorial Day Parade), James Quinn, and Gene Richardson, will ride the U-Haul Company’s float in the National Memorial Day Parade sponsored by the American Veterans Center. They will fly the U.S. Merchant Marine flag and greet the public along Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC. Of the sacrifice of the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWII, Dave Yoho said, “And so, when you’re with others, tell them of what we did, urge them to read about us and find out about us. Greet us today if you can. Then say to them, ‘We gave up our yesterdays for your and their tomorrows.’” The U.S. Merchant Marine has played a vital role in the successes of U.S. Armed Forces protecting our liberty and ensuring our nation’s maritime leadership. AMMV is pleased to acknowledge the support from the following U.S. Government agencies: the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Army’s Military District of Washington, DC. Also, AMMV wishes to thank the following U.S. maritime industry sponsors for their support: the American Maritime Congress; the American Maritime Officers; the American Veterans Center; the Gary Sinise Foundation; the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots; the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; Matson Navigation; the Transportation Institute; the U-Haul Company; and the Seafarers International Union. Founded in 1984, AMMV is dedicated to educating Americans and our government officials about services that U.S. Merchant Mariners have provided to our nation in connection with war efforts and preservation of national security. Furthermore, AMMV advocates for the value our Merchant Marine veterans and the importance of maintaining a strong American Merchant Marine fleet. We are a nonprofit organization chartered in the State of Florida, and we are organized into eight regions with chapters across the United States and the world. As Merchant Mariners of the Greatest Generation cross the final bar, AMMV will maintain their legacy and grow our membership to include American Merchant Mariners of all wars, conflicts, and humanitarian events around the world. Please join AMMV and support the courage and accomplishments of the U.S. Merchant Marine!

Congratulations to our friends at @AMMWWII for their Outstanding Achievement Award from @DOTMARAD ! Thank you for all you do to tell the public of the sacrifices American Mariners make for our country. ttps://ammv.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AMMV-Maritime-Day-Press-Release.pdf