Happy Birthday, Air Force
August 20, 2021 | 4 min. read
Semper Paratus. It means “Always Ready,” and for the last 231 years the United States Coast Guard has been ready –for smugglers, war, accidents, and the uncertainties of weather and water. August 4 is Coast Guard Day, and Coast Guard Day should matter to all of us.
What’s so special about August 4? That’s the date in 1790 that Congress approved Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s proposal to build ten cutters– or light, fast patrol boats – for the Revenue-Marine. The mission of the Revenue-Marine was to patrol U.S. waterways to enforce trade and tariff law and prevent smuggling. This ten-boat fleet evolved into the modern Coast Guard.
Here’s an extremely brief, all-too-incomplete overview of the Coast Guard’s contribution to our country.
Today, the USCG manages six operational programs and, on an average day, will board 144 vessels, conduct 109 search and rescue missions, and save 10 lives. And even though the cutters, the air stations and the lighthouses are separated by thousands of miles, on August 4 the Coast Guard comes together and celebrates as one. Many coasts, one Coast Guard.
At First Command, we’re dedicated to improving the financial futures of our Nation’s military families. In times of financial emergency, service members need help. That’s where service relief organizations like Coast Guard Mutual Assistance step in. Without their aid, the men and women of the Coast Guard could face significant debt. To provide a better safety net, First Command and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance are teaming up to bring awareness to this issue. For more information, visit https://www.firstcommand.com/our-reputation/causes-that-matter/.
Answer just a few simple questions and — If we determine that you can benefit from working with us — we’ll put you in touch with a First Command Advisor to create your personalized financial plan. There’s no obligation, and no cost for active duty military service members and their immediate families.
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