RICHFIELD — For the last couple decades, a group of U.S. Merchant Marine veterans from World War II has gathered on the second Monday of the month to reminisce over morning coffee.

But with each passing year, fewer members of the Viking Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans remain. Their ranks have gotten so small that the former seamen, whose average age is 88, have decided to hold one last gathering — a farewell picnic in June.

“The numbers keep dwindling,” said 87-year-old Roy Freidan, the chapter president. “I’ve had so many friends pass away. We have some who are infirm, and they can’t make it.”

The Merchant Marine was formed in 1936 to carry cargo and serve as a military auxiliary in time of war, though members weren’t recognized as veterans until after the war. Thousands died during the war, though one major veterans group still doesn’t recognize them and members often face a lack of recognition at Veterans Day celebrations and memorials.

About 20 years ago, dozens of men would attend meetings at American Legion Post 435 in Richfield, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. Now they’re lucky to get five or six.