A memorial to all who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine and Navy Armed Guard was placed at the Beaches Veterans Memorial Park on March 7. The Memorial Park is at the corner of Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road in Atlantic Beach, adjacent to the American Legion Post 316.
The Merchant Marines suffered 6,839 lost lives and the Armed Guard suffered 1,810 lost lives. In all, 731 ships were sunk between 1941 and 1945. Their motto is "We aim to deliver, and we did."
Among those present to observe the placement of the two-sided memorial and thank merchant mariners were Commander General of the Naval Order of the United States Bob Whitkop; Clarence Hill, Past National Commander of the American Legion; Stephen Snyder of American Merchant Marine Veterans; Merchant Mariner Charlie Sellers; Former Atlantic Beach Town Council Member Jimmy Hill; Atlantic Beach Public Works Director Scott William; and We Can Be Heroes Foundation President Beth Heath.
“This beautiful two-sided memorial is a reminder to all Americans of the Merchant Marine valor, dedication and heroic history,” said Heath.
