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Today’s Star Spangled Salute honors 105-Year-Old World War II Veteran Reynolds Tomter. Reynolds was a member of the U.S. Merchant Marines when he served in WWII and was responsible for delivering cargo across the Atlantic to Allied Forces that were fighting in Europe. During the war, more than 9,000 Merchant Mariners lost their lives while transporting supplies and reinforcements overseas, which was a higher proportion than those killed in any military branch in WWII.  However, it wasn’t until 1988 that the Merchant Marines were recognized as Veterans and then in 2020 the Congressional Gold Medal Act to honor Merchant Mariners was signed.  Just the other day, Reynolds received his Congressional Gold Medal and while he admitted it hurt a little that it took so long he said it’s never too late and he’s happy and proud that the Merchant Marines are finally getting recognized.  Congratulations Reynolds and THANK YOU for your service.