One of the most heartbreaking truths that we learned while on the S.S. Lane Victory was that because it was a merchant vessel, there were no official military notifications when someone passed away on board or were lost at sea. If you never came home, your loved ones woud have to presume you died. 

 

There are dozens of plaques that line the hallways of this ship with the names of hundreds of sailors who served aboard this ship and other merchant vessels. Our hearts grew heavier with every name we read.