Commemorating the Coast Guard

Today's History Lesson...the United States Coast Guard

At the heart of America are the armed forces. Our heroes. Our defenders. They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for the freedoms America offers on a continuous daily basis. They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face. Theirs is a life of honor. A life of sacrifice.

August 4 is...

National Coast Guard Day

This Day in History: August 4, 1790

From Then...

U.S. Revenue Cutter Bear, circa 1890 on Patrol Off Alaska.
Painting by James A. Mitchell, III.

 The Coast Guard's official history began on 4 August 1790 when President George Washington signed the Tariff Act that authorized the construction of ten vessels, referred to as "cutters," to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling.  Known variously through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the "revenue cutters," the "system of cutters," and finally the Revenue Cutter Service, it expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew

The United States Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government. Until Congress established the United States Department of the Navy in 1798, it served as the nation's only armed force afloat protecting America's waters and shorelines. In times of peace, it operates as part of the United States Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing the nation's laws at sea, protecting the marine environment and the nation's vast coastline and ports, and saving life. In times of war, or at the direction of the President, the Coast Guard serves as part of the United States Department of the Navy. 

United States Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard received its present name through an act of Congress signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on 28 January 1915 that merged the Revenue Cutter Service with the U.S. Life-Saving Service. This merger provided the nation with a single maritime service dedicated to saving life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws. 

Cape Hatteras Light

The United States Lighthouse Service merged into the United States Coast Guard in 1939. It was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all lighthouses and lightvessels in the United States. 

In 1946, the functions of the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection were absorbed by the U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Coast Guard thereby abolishing the bureau.

Finally, in 1967, after 177 years in the Treasury Department, the Coast Guard was transferred to the newly formed Department of Transportation.

'Til Now...

To celebrate this day, make sure to take a moment to commemorate the Coast Guard. Be on the look out for festivals, parades, and other events in your area. For example, if you live in Michigan, you can attend the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven—America's own "Coast Guard City." Typically it is the largest community celebration of a branch of the Armed Forces in the nation.

Each day, the men and women of the 35,000 plus active duty Coast Guard, 8,000 Reservists, and 32,000 Auxiliarists provide services over 3.4 million square miles of Exclusive Economic Zones.

U. S. COAST GUARD FACTS

Happy US Coast Guard Day!

Thank you for your service!