A Year of Blogging: August 4, 2011

August 4 was 'U.S. Coast Guard Day'. The Coast Guard's roots trace to August 4, 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to prevent smuggling and enforce federal tariff laws. It was given the name 'Coast Guard' in 1915. It was the only armed forces afloat in the US until Congress established the Navy in 1798. The Coast Guard is one of five branches of the United States Armed Forces. The other four: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines fall under the Department of Defense, but the Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security. I know very little about the Coast Guard. According to the official website of the Coast Guard, www.uscg.mil/ , on an average day the Coast Guard does the following: ~Saves 12 lives ~Investigates 13 marine accidents ~Responds to 64 search and rescue cases ~keeps over 800 pounds of cocaine off the streets ~responds to and investigates 10 pollution incidents This is only a partial list. If you want to see all they do, visit their website. The Coast Guard plays an important part in keeping our country safe day to day, and in keeping smuggled items off our shores. They are not only patrolling the oceans, but also the Great Lakes, Saint Lawrence Seaway, and all major marine transit areas in the US. Take this day to learn more about one of the branches of our military, and be sure to show Coast Guard members some appreciation for all they do!