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SD 374

An Act to properly recognize Massachusetts merchant mariners, living and deceased, who served in an active war zone

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts honors merchant mariners who served in active war zones, extending formal recognition to living veterans and deceased service members for wartime contributions.

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Bill Summary · SD 374

Legislative bill overview

SD 374 establishes formal recognition and honors for Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in active war zones, both living veterans and deceased service members. The bill creates a mechanism to acknowledge their contributions to military operations and wartime efforts, similar to recognitions extended to military service members.

Why is this important

Merchant mariners operated commercial vessels that supplied military forces during wartime, often facing combat conditions and casualties, yet historically received less formal recognition than uniformed military personnel. This bill addresses a historical gap by providing official state acknowledgment of their service and sacrifice, which can affect veteran benefits eligibility, memorial programs, and public commemoration.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "active war zone": Determining which conflicts and time periods qualify may be ambiguous and could lead to disputes over who is eligible for recognition
  • Resource and benefit implications: Expanded recognition may carry unforeseen costs if tied to veteran services, healthcare access, or memorial programs
  • Retroactive application: The bill covers both living and deceased mariners, potentially requiring historical research and documentation to verify service in qualifying conflicts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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