Merchant Marines honored

The Merchant Marines are some of the many unsung heroes who serve our country behind the scenes.

Today, in honor of Memorial Day, they received some special recognition on the Cape Fear River.

“There aren’t that many people in the normal walks of life, that understand what the Merchant Marine is all about,” said veteran Merchant Marine Bob Giani.

Of the 243,000 Merchant Marines who served in World War II, more than 9,000 died making it the highest casualty rate of all U.S. services.

They were the ones who battled the depths of Mother Nature everyday. A ceremony to honor those Merchant Marines who sacrificed so much was held and a floral wreath floated down the Cape Fear River as a symbol of remembrance.

“We have a lot of respect for all of those who lost their lives,” said WWII vet Robert Pollock.

So this Memorial Day, take a moment to recognize those heroes that protected our country both by land and by sea.