In 2004, the Government of British Columbia proclaimed Sept. 3 Merchant Navy Veterans Day. On this day each year, Canadians honour the contribution, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in Canada’s Merchant Navy.

In both the First and Second World Wars, the Merchant Navy acted as a lifeline to Canada’s troops overseas, playing a crucial role in the war efforts. Merchant Mariners carried the desperately needed personnel, equipment, food, fuel and ammunition to Europe and around the world. Over 25,000 voyages were executed during the Second World War.

Merchant Mariners understood the dangers of wartime shipping. They displayed bravery and great commitment to duty, while knowing that they were prime enemy targets. By the end of the Second World War more than 1,700 members had been killed or lost at sea.

In 2003, the Government of Canada proclaimed that Sept. 3 be known as Merchant Navy Veterans Day. The following year, British Columbia issued a provincial proclamation to help bring greater awareness to Canada’s Merchant Navy and the thousands of veterans that sacrificed for the freedom of all Canadians. 

To read the proclamation, visit: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2004/procs/MerchantNavy.htm

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Military Liaison -

“For many years, the men and women that served in Canada’s Merchant Navy did not receive the recognition they deserve. Merchant Mariners played a critical role in the First and Second World Wars and it’s imperative that their bravery and sacrifice is honoured. Commemorating Merchant Navy Veterans Day each year helps ensure the complex history of Canada’s Merchant Navy is remembered and its members honoured.”

Stéphane Ouellette, president and chief executive officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project -

“The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project aims to unite Canadians coast-to-coast-to-coast through a common understanding of our history. The sacrifices and contributions made by our veterans form the very bedrock on which our democratic institutions are built and provides us with the freedoms so many of us take for granted today.

“The 2004 proclamation from the Government of British Columbia is a welcomed addition to the pan-Canadian initiative that I hope will encourage all remaining provinces and territories to make similar declarations leading up to the 150th anniversary of Confederation.”

Quick Facts:

• 12,000 men and women served in Canada's Merchant Navy.
• More than 25,000 merchant ships sailed from North America to Britain during the Second World War.
• The Canadian Merchant Navy suffered the highest losses, losing one in eight of the 12,000 who served in the crews of the Canadian, British and Allied merchant ships.
• Sept. 3 was selected to be the Official Day of Remembrance for the Merchant Navy by the United Kingdom in 2000, Canada in 2003 and Australia in 2008.
• Manitoba and Saskatchewan proclaimed Merchant Navy Veterans Day in 2015.

Learn More:

Visit the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project website at: www.alliedmerchantnavy.com

Read Veterans Affairs publication Valour at Sea – Canada’s Merchant Navy: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/valour-at-sea