KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Aug. 4, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) joins with our grateful nation in celebrating the 235th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. Since its establishment in 1790, originally as the Revenue Cutter Service, this vital branch has continuously protected U.S. interests and saved countless lives, evolving into the multifaceted force it is today.
Now operating under the Department of Homeland Security, today’s Coast Guard excels in its three broad roles: maritime security, maritime stewardship and maritime safety. They vigilantly protect and defend over 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways, while safeguarding an Exclusive Economic Zone of 4.5 million square miles – the largest in the world, spanning nine time zones from the Arctic Circle to south of the equator, and across from Puerto Rico to Guam.
Their commitment to maritime security is evident and day in and day out, the U.S. Coast Guard is engaged in lifesaving and nation-protecting missions throughout our country and around the world.
Please join the 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary in saying happy 235th birthday and “thank you” to Coast Guardsmen both past and present – members of the U.S. Armed Forces with the biggest area of responsibility.
It should be noted that VFW Adjutant General Dan West is appreciative of the at-sea extraction Coast Guardsmen gave him and his team back in 1993.
Semper Paratus – Always Ready.