Daughter continues fight for Merchant Marine recognition

GLEN CARBON, Ill. (AP) - The southwestern Illinois village of Glen Carbon is planning to begin discussions on whether to include those who served with the Merchant Marine on one of its war memorial stones.

Village administrator Jamie Bowden tells the Belleville News-Democrat (http://bit.ly/1OEVPpk ) the village's public service committee is scheduled to discuss the issue Tuesday. Bowden says it likely will take several meetings to decide the issue.

Orville Sova of Collinsville had sought to get Congress to recognize the role the Merchant Marine played in World War II. He died in November at age 88. Sova's daughter, Sheila Sova of Glen Carbon, has now taken up the effort.

She says people need to recognize the vital role and sacrifice that the Merchant Marine gave to keep the nation free.

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Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, http://www.bnd.com