Hahn Puts Forward Motion to Proclaim Maritime Day to Honor U.S. Merchant Mariners

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn introduced a motion to proclaim May 22, 2026 as National Maritime Day in Los Angeles County to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Merchant Mariners.

“Merchant Mariners have served our country in every major conflict, often at extraordinary personal risk, yet too few Americans know their story,” said Hahn. “These brave men and women transported troops, fuel, supplies, and military cargo across dangerous waters to ensure our armed forces had what they needed to fight and survive. On Maritime Day, Los Angeles County will honor their courage, sacrifice, and indispensable service to our nation.”

National Maritime Day is observed annually on May 22 to recognize the maritime industry’s contributions to the nation’s defense and economic prosperity. During World War II, 243,000 Merchant Mariners served transporting troops and supplies through hostile waters and suffered the highest casualty rate per capita of any branch of service during the war. During the Vietnam War, Merchant Mariners carried 95 percent of the supplies used by U.S. forces.

Hahn highlighted Los Angeles County’s deep ties to the Merchant Marine community, including the Merchant Marine Memorial in San Pedro, the first national memorial dedicated to merchant seamen. The memorial honors Merchant Mariners who served in all wars and recognizes the sacrifices made by “those brave men and women of all races, creeds and colors who answered that call to serve.” Hahn will participate in the annual Maritime Day ceremony at the memorial this Friday at 11 am.

Hahn also spoke personally about her family’s connection to the Merchant Marine. Her uncle, Gordon Hahn, served as a Merchant Mariner during World War II while her father, Kenneth Hahn, served on a supply ship in the Navy.  Although they had very similar roles in the war, as a Merchant Mariner her uncle was excluded from the G.I. Bill while her father was not. WWII Merchant Mariners were not formally recognized as veterans until 1988.

While serving in Congress, Hahn authored legislation to provide compensation to surviving World War II Merchant Mariners who were long denied veterans’ benefits and championed bipartisan legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Merchant Mariners.

“Though Merchant Mariners have stood beside our troops in times of war and peace, they are still not recognized as an official branch of the United States Military,” Hahn said. “May 22 is their day. We honor them, we acknowledge them, and we thank them for their sacrifices.”

The motion will return for a vote before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors at its next meeting on June 9.