Speaker Pelosi Remarks at Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring Merchant Mariners of World War II

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined Congressional Leadership and other Members of Congress to participate in a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Merchant Mariners of World War II. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

Speaker Pelosi. Good morning, everyone. As Speaker of the House, it is my official privilege to welcome you to the Capitol for the celebration today of valor and patriotism. We gather to bestow Congress's highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, on the Merchant Mariners of World War II.

Throughout the war, these heroes braved dangerous waters to help defend democracy in our nation – for our nation and for the world. Today, we recognize their service under the gaze of the muse, Clio – it's Clio these days. Clio is the muse of history, and she records everything that we do. And now she will record further the courage that we celebrate. Now and always, she will commend the unwavering courage that our Merchant Mariners brought to the battle against fascism.

We're privileged to be joined today by brave Merchant Mariners as well as their friends and families. All of you, give yourselves an applause for being here.

[Applause]

As was mentioned, we're – Admiral Michael Wettlaufer, Vice Admiral Scott Buschman and Lucinda Lessley, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration – as has been acknowledged. Thank you to Congressman John Garamendi, who worked to make this recognition possible. And also Don Young, our dearly departed Don Young. We saw him off from this very place just a short time ago. Former Congresswoman Susan Brooks and Senator Lisa Murkowski, but also pleased to be here with Joe Courtney.

Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please stand as you were able for the presentations of the colors and the national anthem.

***

Speaker Pelosi. Hello again. Amid the horrors of World War II, America's Merchant Mariners brought to bear awe-inspiring strength and fortitude. As has been mentioned, President Roosevelt called their mission ‘the most difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken.' They dutifully delivered weapons and supplies to every theater of war: from the beaches of Normandy to the islands of the Pacific. And as we learned, the Indian Sea as well.

Facing aerial bombings from above and submarine attacks from below, they persevered until the job was done. Indeed, as has been mentioned, the Merchant Marines suffered the highest casualty rate of any service. Today, we thank all of you, and we pray for those killed serving their country, and we honor their sacrifice.

Nearly eight decades after World War II, Americans owe our Merchant Mariners an enormous debt of gratitude. Many of us were able to express that gratitude last year with the christening of the USNS John Lewis. Admiral – we saw there all of the new technologies and the scope and the ambition of the mission. It was beautiful to behold. In your comments, you talked about – our Chaplain mentioned the garment of mutuality. And that's really what we saw there: how we were all in this together.

As John Lewis had said over and over again, ‘We may have come to America on different ships, but we're all in the same boat now.' So appropriately was this ship named for him. And not only a ship, a class of ships.

It's lovely to see the Coast Guard pay tribute to the Merchant Marines. Thank you, Admiral, to you. Then and now, we celebrate these patriots for doing their part to preserve liberty, living up to the Merchant Marine Academy's motto: ‘Acta Non Verba,' ‘Deeds not Words.' That's the Gospel of James, too. Let us recognize each of these American heroes in attendance today, including Charles Mills of Baltimore. Here we are.

[Applause]

And Dave Yoho, who will honor us with his words shortly.

[Applause]

Gentlemen, please – my colleagues, please join us for the presentation of the medal. And – this is such an occasion for us to bestow this: the highest honor Congress can present.

It's the Congressional Medal, come on.

All of you, come up here. Come on.

[Crosstalk]

No, no. Up here. Because they're going to come up here.

There you are, Mr. Mills. And why don't you turn around so that they can all see you here?

Come on. Jim, Mitch. Okay, let us all just – okay.

On behalf of Congress and all Americans, I'm honored to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service. In accepting this award on behalf of your compatriots, you bring luster to this award because of your service.

[Applause]

Just as your service and courage brought luster to our country, to our nation. May this medal serve as an expression of Americans' – people – profound respect and gratitude. Gratitude to you. And may its place in the American Merchant Marine Museum remind future generations of your legendary heroism. Thank you and congratulations.

[Applause]

Do you want to come up here?

Here you go.

Mr. Yoho. It'll be fine.

Speaker Pelosi. There we go.

Mr. Yoho. We may not give it back, but it's fine.

[Laughter]

Speaker Pelosi. Let me just see.

You can see the coin on the back of the program as well as in larger detail there. And now we will hear from Mr. Yoho.