Our Blog
We know it’s important for our members to stay in the loop, so we endeavor to update our American Merchant Marine Veterans blog frequently. Give our current articles and journal entries a read!
Our Inspiration
Every single one of our members has a story to tell. We’re never hard pressed for an idea when faced with the stories, memories, trials, and tribulations our seamen share. Tales of triumph, tales of sorrow, funny anecdotes—we want to hear them all. We want to tell your story!
But our writing won’t stop there. We would feel lost and disconnected today without coverage of our many events. Our hope is to chronicle every memorial, every overdue honor, and every spirited gathering our members participate in. Relevant current events won’t stay to the wayside either—we’ll keep you up to date on legislation efforts and other news pertinent to our organization in general.
In short, we’re quite lucky to have such a plethora of muses. Our inspiration for maintaining this blog will always be you: our beloved family of Veterans. Our history drives our service, and our members drive our memories.
Our Articles
Truth blunts storm of inaccurate Jones Act coverage
In what may have been the most publicly played Jones Act controversy ever, the venerable domestic shipping law was the lead in nationwide news coverage for much of the last week in September. The subject was the Jones Act factor in the official response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico – the storm, which hit the U.S. territory as a Cat 5, dumped stunning, unprecedented misery and ruin on the island.
POW/MIA DAY
“America has long stood tall as a beacon of freedom thanks to the women and men of our Armed Forces who safeguard our country and our ideals with courage, honor, and selflessness. While our heroes and their families continue to give of themselves for us all, we must recognize the unthinkable pain that remains with the loved ones of those who have not returned home.” Presidential Proclamation. The White House September 18, 2015.
Stories of the Sea by David C. Holmes
“One thing that stands out in my memory at the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy in October of 1942 was a close friendship formed, namely Norman Vail of Tea Neck, N. J. Norman’s father was an alleged executive with Standard Oil Company, and Norm made it very clear to me that his dad “had influence” when it came to being assigned to ships in late November…”
STARS AND STRIPES reports on Memorial Day Events, including Dave Yoho, Keynote Speaker
“We are gathered on the last Monday in May in solemn tribute to those who have paid the supreme sacrifice,” said Josiah Bunting III, chairman of the Friends of the National WWII Memorial. “We should honor them not only on the last Monday in May but in the way we conduct our own lives as citizens of this great republic every day of the year.”
Fox News Live with Dave Yoho at National WWII Memorial
Memorial Day ceremony at the National WWII Memorial to “honor and remember more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during WWII.”
American Merchant Marine Veterans – Murmansk Run – Were we not Veterans?
A dynamic presentation by Dave Yoho, in support of our WWII Merchant Mariners about the sacrifices endured and a statement of their exemplary service.
News Release – Dave Yoho
A noted businessman who was an underage recruit during World War II tells a brief moving story about why and how the World War II Veterans, more than ever, need the love and support of this great nation.
31st AMMV Annual Merchant Marine Convention & Reunion – 2017
Go to our bar menu under EVENTS and click on drop down menu item “31st Annual ———-“ to find our final version of the agenda for our 31st Annual AMMV convention. Join us to enjoy and be informed by the many outstanding speakers lined up to address our assembly. Your attendance will be rewarded with the important and informative content of their presentations.
How to Join, Be a Social Media User and Contact Your Congressperson
Facebook is used by individuals who wish to stay connected with, or reconnect with, people that they know offline. As well as maintaining a personal profile and posting messages on their “wall,” users can upload photo albums and videos, share links, write long notes, send private messages to friends, text, video chat, and play games. And, for our purposes, it allows you to stay in contact with your Legislator.
Outstanding Volunteers – 2016
AMMV’s Outstanding Volunteers: Meet the Team behind the Dream
At the 30th annual AMMV National Convention held in New Orleans (March 2016), six AMMV members received awards for outstanding service to the AMMV organization.