NATIONAL COAST GUARD DAY: A TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY AND SERVICE
National Coast Guard Day is a military holiday that is held every August 4th to commemorate the founding of the Coast Guard as a military branch. As the protectors of our oceanic borders, the Coast Guard does a lot to keep our country safe from criminal activity that may seek to infiltrate American soil. Join us as we appreciate the brave men and women who have pledged themselves to protecting the American homefront.
Celebrating National Coast Guard Day in 2024
National Coast Guard Day is a time to celebrate the men and women who have taken up the mantle of protecting United States waters from any foreign threats. Founded on August 4th, 1790, the Coast Guard was known by an entirely different name: the Revenue Cutter Service. The Revenue Cutter Service, forebears to the Coast Guard. It was authorized by George Washington via the Tariff Act to build a fleet of ten cutters. They would act as the enforcers of the first tariff laws enacted by Congress under the Constitution.Since that day, the Revenue Cutter Service has changed its name to what we recognize as the Coast Guard today. It was officially changed in the year 1915 when the Revenue Cutter Service was merged with the Lifesaving Service. The Coast Guard has gone through many other shifts in operation. However, on March 1st, 2001 they officially transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.
Current Responsibilities of the U.S. Coast Guard
Currently, the Coast Guard has over 41,000 active duty personnel, around 30,000 civilian auxiliary volunteers, and over 8,000 reserve personnel. The Coast Guard's fleet has over 250 cutters, around 1,600 boats, and 200 aircrafts. The branch plays a significant role in the ensuring national security, patrolling major waterways and keeping our oceans safe. Additionally, the Coast Guard works to enforce vital laws and combat crimes such as drug smuggling, terrorism, and human trafficking.
Happy National Coast Guard Day
Though it is not the military branch that possesses the most notoriety, the Coast Guard is a pivotal component of our armed forces. While the other branches are off across international waters fighting for the ideals for America, the Coast Guard sees to things here at home, making sure that no threats breach American borders without repercussion. Not only do they protect our homeland, but the Coast Guard is also responsible for rescuing anyone who finds themselves in dangerous scenarios in need of aid. The Coast Guard also protects the marine environment, seeing to the preservation of our aquatic ecosystem.National Coast Guard Day is just as important as any other military holiday, on account of all our brave men and women in the service do to safeguard our wonderful country. To any Coast Guard service members who are reading this–thank you for all that you do! Happy National Coast Guard Day!Read next:
