American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Honors Unsung Heroes

The American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial is a tribute to the unsung heroes of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Located in San Pedro, California, the memorial stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the merchant mariners who played a crucial role in supporting the war efforts.

These men and women risked their lives to transport troops, supplies, and equipment, often in treacherous waters and under enemy fire.

Their contributions were instrumental in the Allied victories, yet their stories were largely overlooked until the memorial was dedicated in 1988.

The American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial is a striking tribute to the brave men and women who served in the United States Merchant Marine. It's located in John S. Gibson Park in San Pedro, California.

The memorial was commissioned to honor American merchant marine veterans from all wars, and it contains a bronze sculpture called Jacob's Ladder by Jasper D'Ambrosi. This sculpture depicts a merchant seaman helping another during a rescue at sea.

The memorial was designed by Jasper D'Ambrosi in 1986 and cast at Arizona Bronze in Tempe, Arizona in 1987. His sons, Marc and Michael, finished the sculpture's model, casting, and installation after their father's passing.

A bronze plaque at the memorial states that the United States Merchant Marine has faithfully served the country in times of war and peace, hauling cargo to every corner of the world. This memorial is dedicated to those brave men and women of all races, creeds, and colors who answered the call to serve.

The memorial was dedicated in 1989, and every May 22, there is a National Maritime Day Observance and Memorial Service with local dignitaries speaking and honoring the American Merchant Marine Veterans.

Here are some key facts about the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial:

The memorial is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the merchant mariners who served their country during times of war and peace.

National Maritime Day and Memorial Day are significant dates in the United States that honor the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans.

On May 22nd, National Maritime Day, a memorial was unveiled in Vero Beach, Florida, to commemorate the WWII U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans. The memorial is located on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.

This memorial was spearheaded by USA Warrior Stories' Ross Rowlinson, who also organized a special ceremony on Memorial Day, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery.

A different take: United States Maritime Service

National Maritime Day is celebrated on May 22nd, which is a significant date for honoring the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans.

In 2023, a new memorial was unveiled in Vero Beach, Florida, specifically to honor the WWII U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans.

Ross Rowlinson from USA Warrior Stories spearheaded the efforts to create this memorial.

The City of Vero Beach unveiled the WWII Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.

A 100-year-old WWII Mariner named Mr. Floyd York was honored on this day by receiving his Congressional Gold Medal from local Congressional Representative Bill Posey's office.

The event was attended by many local and visiting WWII veterans and Merchant Mariners.

A unique perspective: Windward Beach Marine

On Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Over 9,500 merchant mariners lost their lives in World War II, a sacrifice that is still remembered today.

In 2023, Heroes of the U.S. Merchant Marine laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, representing those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) played a key role in organizing the event, which was also attended by USA Warrior Stories producer Ross Rowlinson, a retired Merchant Mariner himself.

The American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial is a striking tribute to the brave men and women who served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II.

The memorial was commissioned by a group of local seamen to honor merchant marine veterans from all wars, and it's the first national memorial to merchant seamen in the United States.

At the height of World War II, there were 215,000 merchant mariners, including many teenage boys too young to enlist in the military, and men classified as 4-F, yet caught up in the patriotic fervor that swept the country after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Over 6,795 civilian merchant seamen lost their lives in World War II, with a casualty rate of 1:32, the highest casualty rate of any service.

The memorial features a bronze statue depicting two merchant seamen climbing a Jacob’s ladder after making a rescue at sea, designed by Jasper D’Ambrosi and cast at his family foundry, Arizona Bronze, in 1987.

The memorial was dedicated in 1989, and a bronze plaque on the memorial states, “The United States Merchant Marine has faithfully served our country in times of war and peace hauling cargo to every corner of the world. This Memorial is dedicated to those brave men and women of all races, creeds and colors who answered that call to serve.”

Every May 22, there is a National Maritime Day Observance and Memorial Service with local dignitaries speaking and honoring the American Merchant Marine Veterans who bravely served their country.

The memorial's creator, Jasper D'Ambrosi, designed the original concept in 1986, but sadly passed away before completing the final model. His sons, Marc and Michael, finished the sculpture as a tribute to their father.

Here's a list of key statistics about the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial: