US Coast Guard Day: History, Significance and Coast Guard Cities

4to40.com August 3, 2024 Public Awareness 115 Views

Every year August 4 is observed as US Coast Guard Day. The day commemorates the foundation of the Revenue Cutter Service, the forerunner of the current Coast Guard. It aims to appreciate and honour the hard work and dedication of saviours.

Who are Coast Guards?

It’s a military service under the Department of Transportation, which in peacetime enforces maritime laws, saves lives and property at sea, and maintains aids to navigation, and which in wartime may be placed under the Navy Department to augment the navy.

Origin & History:

The Coast Guard has operated at sea continually since its establishment, although the name didn’t appear until 1915 as the Revenue Cutter Service and the Lifesaving Service were combined till then.

Later, it was then transferred to the newly formed Department of Transportation in 1967 after serving for 177 years under the Treasury Department joined by the Lighthouse Service (1939) and Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection (1949). Congressional legislation that U.S. President Woodrow Wilson signed into law on January 28, 1915, gave its current name.

Day is a big event for members of the Coast Guard who are on active duty, civilian members, reservists, retirees, auxiliaries, and dependents; nevertheless. Also, it draws the attention of quite a few members of the general public. Grand Haven, Michigan, commonly known as Coast Guard City, holds the Coast Guard Festival every year on this occasion. It is considered a major national celebration of the Coast Guard important.

What is the Significance of US Coast Guard Day?

Its significant for many reasons:

Recognising unwavering service: Coast Guard members dedicate their lives to ensuring maritime safety, protecting national interests, and responding to emergencies. The day acknowledges their sacrifices and commitment.
Highlighting diverse roles: The responsibilities are vast, encompassing search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and homeland security. This day emphasizes the breadth of their duties.
Inspiring future generations: Celebrating the achievements encourages young people to consider maritime service and public safety careers.
Strengthening community bonds: Many coastal communities rely on the Coast Guard for protection and assistance. This Day fosters a sense of unity and gratitude between the service and the public.

List of Coast Guard Cities and States:

The Coast Guard’s mission relies heavily on a strong relationship with the communities it serves. To foster mutual understanding and support, the Coast Guard has designated certain cities as “Coast Guard Cities.”

These cities have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the well-being of Coast Guard personnel and their families, creating a welcoming environment that enhances morale and operational readiness. Currently, there are 34 officially recognized Coast Guard Cities across the United States. Here is the complete list.

No.	City	State	Date Designated
1	Grand Haven	Michigan	13-Nov-98
2	Eureka	California	3-Jun-00
3	Mobile	Alabama	4-Jul-02
4	Wilmington	North Carolina	25-Jul-03
5	Newport	Oregon	28-Mar-05
6	Alameda	California	14-Apr-06
7	Kodiak	Alaska	15-Sep-07
8	Rockland	Maine	16-Jun-08
9	Portsmouth	Virginia	17-Nov-09
10	Traverse City	Michigan	7-Apr-10
11	Astoria	Oregon	1-May-10
12	Sitka	Alaska	14-Feb-11
13	Clearwater	Florida	23-Dec-11
14	Newburyport	Massachusetts	23-Dec-11
15	Sturgeon Bay	Wisconsin	23-Jan-14
16	Camden County	Georgia	23-Jan-14
17	Cape May County	New Jersey	8-May-15
18	Hull	Massachusetts	11-May-15
19	Ketchikan	Alaska	11-May-15
20	Elizabeth City	North Carolina	29-May-15
21	New London	Connecticut	24-May-15
22	Carteret County	North Carolina	7-Jul-15
23	San Diego	California	23-Feb-17
24	Florence	Oregon	20-May-17
25	New York	NY	4-Feb-18
26	Chatham County	Georgia	18-Oct-18
27	Cordova	Alaska	30-Sep-19
28	Westport	Washington	30-Sep-19
29	Valdez	Alaska	7-Apr-21
30	Key West	Florida	4-Aug-22
31	Bay County	Florida	15-May-23
32	Homer	Alaska	22-May-23
33	Garibaldi	Oregon	17-Dec-23
34	Charleston	South Carolina	26-Jan-24

Day is more than just a celebration; it is a reminder of the unwavering dedication of the men and women who serve in this vital branch of the armed forces. As we honour their service, let us also recommit ourselves to supporting their mission and protecting our nation’s maritime heritage.