(Duluth, MN) — The International Ship Masters’ Association (ISMA) announced today that President Capt. Chris Edyvean will travel to Washington D.C. to attend the Department of Transportation’s National Maritime Day ceremony and will be among a handful of mariners presented the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).
National Maritime Day was created by the United States Congress on May 20, 1933, and is a federal observance in the United States created to recognize the maritime industry. The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Service is the third highest award for U.S. Merchant Mariners. will be presented by Stephen M. Carmel, the Administrator of MARAD during the annual National Maritime Day program at 10 a.m. at the U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Capt. Edyvean, in addition to currently serving as ISMA President, also served as National President of American Merchant Marine Veterans, Inc. (AMMV) from 2015-2019 and currently serves as AMMV’s National Secretary.
Capt. Edyvean, along with a handful of fellow AMMV National Officers will each be honored by MARAD for their work on the national level in carrying out AMMV’s mission. Others being awarded include Capt. Dru DiMattia, Capt. Darin Huggins, Dennis Kelly, Chief Engineer Christian G. Yuhas, and Bosun John Pitts (posthumously).
“The birth of our Merchant Marine is commonly recognized as June 12, 1775, when colonial forces led by Capt. Jeremiah O’Brien seized an armed British schooner near Machias, Maine. During the ensuing 250 years, the U.S. Merchant Marine has made significant contributions during every war, conflict, and humanitarian mission. They have been present in many pivotal moments in American history, and AMMV strives to tell their story,” explained Capt. Edyvean.
The award recognizes the accomplishments of these AMMV volunteers and their grassroots efforts behind the passage of the Merchant Mariners of WWII Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) Act, which was signed into law in 2020. Following the minting process, AMMV members hosted GCM ceremonies around the country to honor the service of our WWII mariners.
Additionally, AMMV officers and members work to educate the public about the history of the U.S. Merchant Marine from its inception during the Revolutionary War to the modern-day activities in the Middle East region. The motto of the U.S. Merchant Marine is “In Peace and War,” as indicated on the Merchant Marine flag. All six recipients have spent decades serving in the maritime industry and are connected with various prominent maritime institutions and organizations.
Capt. Edyvean and other AMMV officers will stay in Washington DC for the National Memorial Day program at Arlington National Cemetery on May 25. An AMMV delegation will join other military service organizations in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This annual program is attended by the President of the United States along with top cabinet members and several congressional representatives.
