Today is the 229th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, the nation’s first armed sea force.
The Coast Guard posted a video to celebrate the occasion, saying, “Since 1790, we’ve lived the Guardian Ethos. Here’s to 229 years of service.”
Since 1790, we’ve lived the Guardian Ethos. Here’s to 229 years of service 🇺🇸 #CG229 #HBDCoastGuard pic.twitter.com/6EU2PLlDkq
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) August 4, 2019
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz released a message and video of his own, saying, “For 229 years, our shield has been worn but never tarnished. Our flag tattered but always respected. Our spirits tried & forever true. Our exploits legendary, tamped only by humility. Our Values strong & never compromised. Our promise to America never broken. We are the @USCG.”
For 229 years, our shield has been worn but never tarnished. Our flag tattered but always respected. Our spirits tried & forever true. Our exploits legendary, tamped only by humility. Our Values strong & never compromised. Our promise to America never broken. We are the @USCG. pic.twitter.com/guReBUyCpv
— Admiral Karl Schultz (@ComdtUSCG) August 4, 2019
The Coast Guard was first formed as “The Revenue Cutter Service” by authorization of the Tariff Act signed into law on Aug. 4, 1790 by President George Washington.
The law, originally proposed by Secretary Alexander Hamilton, authorized the construction of ten “cutter” vessels intended to combat smuggling by enforcing federal laws on tariff and trade.
On this day in 1790, Congress authorized Secretary Alexander Hamilton’s proposal to build 10 new cutters, starting the Revenue Cutter Service.
Through these 229 years, we’ve grown, adapted, transitioned and developed into our modern day Coast Guard. #HBDCoastGuard #CG229 pic.twitter.com/vazQuUnVaR
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) August 4, 2019
Other notable agencies and figures paid tribute to the Coast Guard today.
The U.S. Army released a video compilation of incredible Coast Guard acts, along with the message, “Join us in wishing the U.S. Coast Guard a Happy Birthday! Thank you for guarding our shores. Semper Paratus!”
Join us in wishing the U.S. Coast Guard a Happy Birthday!
Thank you for guarding our shores. Semper Paratus!
Video by Spc. Jay Butterbaugh@uscg pic.twitter.com/gtoIAh8Hmu
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) August 4, 2019
The U.S. Mission to NATO tweeted, “Today we wish a happy 229th birthday to 🇺🇸 @USCG! As America’s maritime first responder, the United States Coast Guard serves an important mission within the 🇺🇸 Armed Forces, defending our coasts and protecting American citizens. We thank you for your service!”
Today we wish a happy 229th birthday to 🇺🇸 @USCG! As America’s maritime first responder, the United States Coast Guard serves an important mission within the 🇺🇸 Armed Forces, defending our coasts and protecting American citizens. We thank you for your service! pic.twitter.com/a4VpCPgPwK
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) August 4, 2019
Newly confirmed Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist tweeted, “The incredible men & women of our @USCG work tirelessly to ensure our Nation’s maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Join me in wishing Admiral Karl Schultz @ComdtUSCG and our Coast Guard members a very happy 229th birthday!”
The incredible men & women of our @USCG work tirelessly to ensure our Nation’s maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Join me in wishing Admiral Karl Schultz @ComdtUSCG and our Coast Guard members a very happy 229th birthday! #HBDCoastGuard #SemperParatus pic.twitter.com/pwNVKWLQa0
— Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist (@DepSecDef) August 4, 2019
U.S. Northern Command tweeted on Friday with photos of a cake-cutting ceremony held in anticipation of today, saying, “Happy Birthday @USCG!! NORAD & USNORTHCOM celebrated the 229th birthday of our mission partner, the U.S. Coast Guard today. The Coast Guard was founded Aug. 4, 1790.”
Happy Birthday @USCG!! NORAD & USNORTHCOM celebrated the 229th birthday of our mission partner, the U.S. Coast Guard today. The Coast Guard was founded Aug. 4, 1790. #CoastGuard #HappyBirthday #WeHaveTheWatch pic.twitter.com/tDgHl4fjpI
— U.S. Northern Command (@USNorthernCmd) August 2, 2019
