U.S. Coast Guard Seal
The Coast Guard seal features crossed anchors with a life ring and a shield. This is surrounded by a line grommet. The crossed anchors represent the service’s maritime heritage, while the life ring symbolizes the service’s humanitarian responsibilities. The shield represents the United States and its flag, while the line grommet represents the service’s ties to the Navy.
The Coast Guard seal features crossed anchors with a life ring and a shield. This is surrounded by a line grommet. The crossed anchors represent the service’s maritime heritage, while the life ring symbolizes the service’s humanitarian responsibilities. The shield represents the United States and its flag, while the line grommet represents the service’s ties to the Navy.
U.S Coast Guard History
The United States Coast Guard traces its history to August 4, 1790 when Congress authorized Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton’s proposal to build ten cutters to protect the nation’s revenue. The new service, which was under the control of the Treasury Department, had many names including the Revenue-Marine, before being officially called the Revenue Cutter Service in 1863.
One of the earliest jobs of the Revenue Cutters was to suppress piracy and in 1794, the Treasury Department became responsible for maintaining the country’s lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and piers.
Over the years, the Revenue Cutters were given more responsibility, including enforcing maritime laws and helping during conflicts at sea. On January 28, 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service was merged with the Life-Saving Service and the U.S. Coast Guard was formed. The Coast Guard changed again in 1939, when the U.S. Lighthouse Service — which was first established in 1789 — was folded into the Coast Guard’s services. Since then, the Coast Guard has been responsible for maintaining America’s lighthouses.
Motto(s): “Semper Paratus” (“Always ready”)
March: “Semper Paratus”
One of the earliest jobs of the Revenue Cutters was to suppress piracy and in 1794, the Treasury Department became responsible for maintaining the country’s lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and piers.
Over the years, the Revenue Cutters were given more responsibility, including enforcing maritime laws and helping during conflicts at sea. On January 28, 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service was merged with the Life-Saving Service and the U.S. Coast Guard was formed. The Coast Guard changed again in 1939, when the U.S. Lighthouse Service — which was first established in 1789 — was folded into the Coast Guard’s services. Since then, the Coast Guard has been responsible for maintaining America’s lighthouses.
Motto(s): “Semper Paratus” (“Always ready”)
March: “Semper Paratus”
U.S. Coast Guard Song