Unveiling of the U.S. Merchant Marine Memorial

Watch Full Ceremony

Watch Highlights from U.S. Merchant Marine Memorial Unveiling

On 5 June 2024, the American Merchant Marine Veterans will unveil a long overdue monument to the U.S. Merchant Marine on Utah Beach. The new monument, near the Lone Sailor monument and the Higgins Boat monument, will honor the valor and sacrifice of U.S. Merchant Mariners whose actions supported military operations on D-Day that took place 80 years ago on 6 June 1944.

The monument, enshrined on Utah Beach where U.S. troops landed, displays a quote from General Dwight D. Eisenhower, inscribed for all visitors to see. On 8 May 1945, Gen. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the European Theater, said:

“Every man in this Allied command is quick to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage, and fortitude of the officers and men of the merchant marine. We count upon their efficiency and their utter devotion to duty as we do our own; they have never failed us yet and in all the struggles yet to come we know that they will never be deterred by any danger, hardship, or privation. When final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the merchant marine.”

Participants at the unveiling ceremony included, Dave Yoho, a U.S. Merchant Marine WWII veteran; Charles de Vallavieille, Mayor of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Normandy, France; Capt. Dru DiMattia, president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans; and Rita Cosby, award-winning journalist, news anchor, and author. The small town of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont and the French people in Normandy have extended wonderful hospitality for the event.

Song - MERCHANT MARINE By Nathan Bishop MacDonald (2001)

U.S. Merchant Marine Cadets Have a Special Song to Honor WWII Merchant Mariners at Utah Beach D-Day. (Song - MERCHANT MARINE By Nathan Bishop MacDonald, 2001)