TODAY IS CHINA NATIONAL MARITIME DAY, JULY 11, 2024
TODAY IS CHINA NATIONAL MARITIME DAY
JULY 11, 2024
"Let us never forget the sacrifices made by the extraordinary men and women of the Allied Merchant Navy/American Merchant Marine that were the mainstay of the Allied victories in both World Wars. We also acknowledge China’s brave unsung heroes and contributions to World War Two. In addition to paying tribute to our veterans, we wish to recognize the vital role of the modern maritime and shipping industry, which continues to build upon the legacy of these brave men and women. These remarkable individuals are the pillars of our society, having given everything—and continuing to do so—for the preservation of our liberties and freedoms. Their sacrifices embody the very essence of service and commitment.
"On September 2, 2005, Senior Colonel Cai Ping, Military Attaché, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, alongside other esteemed world representatives, attended the Merchant Navy Veterans Day ceremony held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
"Together, we continue to honour the past, support the present, and inspire future generations. Today, the maritime industry not only underpins global trade and economic prosperity but also contributes significantly to global security and defense. It serves as a crucial lifeline for connecting nations, ensuring the stability and resilience of supply chains, and fostering international cooperation."
OTTAWA, TODAY – Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Allied Merchant Navy and American Merchant Marine Veterans for their unparalleled contributions and sacrifices, which were instrumental in the Allied Forces’ victories in both World War I and World War II. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the significant yet often underappreciated contributions of China’s "Unsung Heroes" during the Second World War.
Victory Day and Merchant Navy Veterans’ Day
On May 13, 2015, the State Council of China declared September 3 a national holiday to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Anti–Japanese War and the World Anti–Fascist War Victory Commemoration Day. This formal title reflects China’s historical perspective of the Second World War. While Japan signed its formal surrender on September 2, 1945, China observes Victory Day on September 3—a day that coincides with Merchant Navy Veterans’ Day, celebrated in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The Tragedy of the S.S. Athenia
On September 3, 1939, the day that the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany, the passenger ship S.S. Athenia was torpedoed by U–30 near Ireland. The ship carried 1,103 passengers, including approximately 500 Jewish refugees, 469 Canadians, 311 Americans, 72 British, and 315 crew members. Tragically, 98 passengers and 19 crew members were killed, including 54 Canadians and 28 Americans. Among those lost was Canadian stewardess Hannah Baird, making the first civilian casualties of World War II Canadian and American civilians.
The Global Contributions of Unsung Heroes
China was the first nation to enter what would later be recognized as the Second World War, engaging in conflict with the Empire of Japan from 1937 until the Japanese surrender in 1945. During this period, China suffered devastating losses, with over 14 million people killed and up to 100 million displaced as refugees. China’s steadfast alliance with the United States and the British Empire after Pearl Harbor exemplified its commitment to the Allied cause.
India also made historic contributions during WWII, supplying the largest all-volunteer force in history, with 2,581,726 personnel serving in the army, navy, and air force. Beyond military service, over 14 million Indian laborers worked tirelessly to sustain war industries and agricultural production, ensuring the Allied war effort remained operational.
The Allied Merchant Navy and American Merchant Marine were vital to sustaining the war effort, ensuring supplies reached Allied forces. A total of 25,343 merchant ships carried 164,783,921 tons of cargo from North America to Britain. The cost of these missions was high: over 2,199 Canadian Merchant Navy seamen and more than 6,835 American Merchant Mariners were killed during the wars, with thousands more enduring treacherous conditions.
Honouring the Overlooked Contributions of "Unsung Heroes"
In addition to the Allied Merchant Navy and American Merchant Marine Veterans, several other groups have made immense sacrifices that remain underrepresented in historical narratives. These include:
- Aboriginal Veterans: Indigenous communities whose service to the Allied forces has not been adequately recognized.
- Nurses and Women Factory Workers: Women who provided critical support in hospitals, factories, and logistical roles during the wars.
- Veterans of the Battle of Hong Kong: A historic conflict often remembered for Canadian and British contributions but lacking acknowledgment of the significant roles played by nations like China and India.
"Contemporary research must broaden its scope to fully recognize the sacrifices and contributions of these 'Unsung Heroes,' whose efforts were instrumental in shaping the victories and freedoms we enjoy today," said Mr. Ouellette.
A Call to Remember and Honour
As we reflect on the sacrifices of these heroes, it is essential to ensure their legacies are preserved and their stories shared for future generations. By highlighting the contributions of these often-overlooked groups, alongside those of the Allied Merchant Navy and American Merchant Marine Veterans, we honor the collective efforts that defined the Allied victories and the values of freedom, resilience, and unity.
HISTORIC ATTENDANCE OF FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES HONORING ALLIED MERCHANT NAVY AND AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE VETERANS
NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA
SEPTEMBER 2, 2005
At the National War Memorial in Ottawa, on September 2, 2005, the Merchant Navy Veterans Day of Remembrance welcomed distinguished foreign representatives to pay tribute to our unsung heroes of the Allied Merchant Navy and American Merchant Marine. Among the attendees (top and bottom, 2nd from left) was Senior Colonel Cai Ping, Military Attaché, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, alongside members of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the historic global recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of these courageous veterans.
2010 Merchant Navy Veterans Day Ceremony
Representatives from the People’s Republic of China
WWII MERCHANT NAVY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE IN LIVERPOOL
SEPTEMBER 4, 2011
(Left) Consul General Ni Jian attending the National Merchant Navy Day Memorial Service in Liverpool, England, Paying tribute to Merchant Navy Chinese Seafarers of WWII, on September 4, 2011.
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY AGAINST
FASCISM AND JAPANESE AGGRESSION
HONG KONG MEMORIAL WALL, OTTAWA, ON
JUNE 19, 2015
(Left to Right) Canadian WWII Veteran Mr. George MacDonell, His Excellency Luo Zhaohui, Ambassador, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, and the Honourable Senator Joseph A. Day attending the 70th Anniversary of the Victory Against Fascism and Japanese Aggression, held at the Hong Kong Memorial Wall, Ottawa, on June 19, 2015.
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE TO THE
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THEIR
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY
JULY 11, 2016
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for over a decade of support excellence that has been provided to our Allied Merchant Navy and American Merchant Marine Veterans.
“It was on Friday, September 2, 2005, when Senior Colonel Ping, along with other world representatives, attended the Merchant Navy Veterans Day event, and participated in our sacred wreath laying ceremony, held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.”
–
Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)
OTTAWA, TODAY–Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), thanked the People’s Republic of China for over a decade of support excellence in acknowledging and commemorating the sacrifices and contributions made by Allied Merchant Navy and American Merchant Marine Veterans. Mr. Ouellette also provided his best wishes on their Maritime Day in China that took place on July 11, 2016.
Over 610 years ago, the outstanding mariner, explorer, and fleet admiral Zheng He led the Chinese fleets on ocean voyages that spanned the globe. Zneng He’s travels made Ming Chine a formidable naval power, and Zneng He, a distinguished and celebrated mariner. Moreover, it was in 2005, when the People’s Republic of China proudly celebrated Zneng He’s first voyage that took place in 1405, when he commanded the maritime voyages of the Chinese Treasure Ship Fleet.
The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP) is a "Canadian driven" initiative dedicated to educating Canadians, Americans, and the international community about the sacrifices and contributions made by the Allied Merchant Navies and the American Merchant Marine as the mainstay of the Allied Forces victories in both World War I and World War II.
During World War II, over 6,835 American Merchant Marine were killed, in addition to over 11,000 being wounded, and the taking of 604 prisoners of war, of whom 61 died in POW camps, out of the more than 250,000 Merchant Marine that sailed. Over 2,199 Canadian Merchant Navy Seaman were killed in both WWI and WWII.
These American and Canadian death statistics do not reflect global losses experienced by the Merchant Navy Chinese Seaferers and by other Merchant Marine and Allied Merchant Navy countries. Indeed, the People's Republic of China overall losses during World War II included over 14 million people, and up to 100 million became refugees during the 1937 to 1945 conflict with Japan.
CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
HONG KONG MARITIME MUSEUM
The Hong Kong Maritime Museum was established on September 8, 2005. The museum focuses on the development of boats, ships, maritime exploration and trade, and naval warfare. For additional information, please select:
Hong Kong Maritime Museum
Associated Links
- United Nations - International Maritime Organization (IMO): Observance Day of the Seafarer | MNCTP | June 25, 2016 |
- A Message of Gratitude to the People of the United States of America on their National Maritime Day | MNCTP | May 22, 2016 |
- A Message of Gratitude to the Republic of India on their National Maritime Day | MNCTP | April 5, 2016 |
- Allied Merchant Navy Website – India Landing Page
Contact Info
Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)
Stéphane Ouellette President and CEO
E-mail: ouellettes@rogers.com
Website: www.alliedmerchantnavy.com
