By VOICES Staff.
Across the United States this Veterans Day, Americans honored the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our warfighters—especially the World War II merchant mariners who helped win the war at sea. From solemn national ceremonies in Washington, DC, to parade routes in New York City, to hometown remembrances, the 2025 commemorations underscored a growing truth:
America is Finally Recognizing These Merchant Mariners’ Heroism.
Secretary Sean Duffy Honors Reynolds Tomter (1917–2025)
This year’s observance came just days after the passing of mariner Reynolds Tomter, widely regarded as the oldest living U.S. Merchant Marine veteran of World War II. Tomter died at 108 years old, only nine days before Veterans Day.
Born in Whitehall, Wisconsin, Tomter’s seafaring journey took him from the Midwest to the beaches of Normandy, where Merchant Marine crews delivered essential supplies during the liberation of Europe.
Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Transportation, was in Wisconsin on Veterans Day and honored the life of Tomter.
His passing was a reminder that we are losing the Greatest Generation in real time — and that capturing, protecting and elevating their stories matters now more than ever.
A National Tribute at Arlington National Cemetery
In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs invited the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) to participate in the National Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—the third consecutive year the Merchant Marine has been formally honored.
Representing their WWII shipmates were:
- William Balabanow, radio officer aboard SS Shickshinny
- James Quinn, veteran of the North Africa campaign and the D-Day invasion
- Dave Yoho, engine room crewman aboard SS Great Meadow
Led by AMMV President Capt. Darin Huggins and Regional Vice President Dennis Ng, the delegation joined dignitaries, a color guard from the Seafarers International Union, and special guest David Hatcher of the U.S. Maritime Administration.
The ceremony held special significance in 2025, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Merchant Marine, tracing its origin to the 1775 capture of HMS Margaretta, the “Lexington of the Seas.”
For 250 years, the men and women of American Maritime have answered the call to serve this great nation. For over a hundred years, this critical workforce has been strengthened by the Jones Act, which helped us maintain a strategic pool of mariners to crew American-built tankers and “Liberty Ships” used to win the war.
Maritime Academies March in Honor
In New York City, cadets from SUNY Maritime, Maine Maritime, Massachusetts Maritime, and Texas A&M Maritime marched together in the NYC Veterans Day Parade, representing the next generation of U.S. maritime leaders. Their presence paid tribute to WWII mariners whose service paved the way for today’s Merchant Marine.
In 2025, these maritime academies graduated an estimated 1,100 future leaders of American Maritime.
Sharing the History: U.S. Merchant Marine Saves Hawaii
Maritime historian Dr. Sal Mercogliano released a Veterans Day special titled US Merchant Marine Saves Hawaii, highlighting the maritime operations after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The episode is helping a new generation understand how the Merchant Marine sustained America’s Pacific defenses under fire and at risk from Imperial Japanese Kamikaze attacks.
To this day, Hawaii still counts on the talent and dedication of American mariners, hailing from both Hawaii and the mainland.
A Veterans Day That Reflected a Changing National Awareness
The story of the heroic U.S. Merchant Marine in WWII is finally being told.
Capt. Huggins of AMMV captured the meaning of the moment:
“Our WWII founders built AMMV to ensure their legacy would never be forgotten. Today, we honor not only those who braved U-boats and kamikazes, but every mariner who has supported America’s Armed Forces for 250 years.”
The 2025 Veterans Day tributes—national and local—show a country rediscovering the essential role merchant mariners played in securing American victory, prosperity, and global leadership.
We thank them for their service and congratulate them on their continued recognition.
Watch and Learn: WWII Merchant Mariners: Learn Their Stories!
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