U.S. Coast Guard Birthday

US Coast Guard Birthday honors the courageous work of coast guards. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Atlantic coast of the United States in 2005, the US Coast Guards saved over 33,500 lives, an estimated 24,000 of these were rescued from peril in severely dangerous conditions. And that just scratches the surface of the important work that these brave men and women do. So get excited, because it is time to celebrate the US Coast Guard Birthday! 

History of US Coast Guard Birthday

The history of the coast guard in the United States can be traced back to the year 1790 when it was established by the first Congress who allowed Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton to combat smuggling and tariff evaders with his fleet of ten ships. Originally called the Revenue Marine Service, or Revenue Cutter Service, the service was combined in 1915 with the US Lifesaving Service to become the Coast Guard.

During times of peace, the US Coast Guard acts as part of the Department of Homeland Security and then becomes part of the Department of Defense in times of war. Now, with more than 230 years of history, this important entity offers a great deal of support through navigation, port security, environmental protection and wartime readiness.

In the United States, there are thousands of events nation-wide for people to get involved in and show their support. In the UK, although not directly associated with HM Coast Guard, the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is a charity organization with the sole aim of rescuing those in distress at sea. They launch over 6500 times a year, and have saved over 134,000 lives since their founding. Pakistan Coast Guard Day is celebrated on September 8.

So bake a cake, throw a party and get appropriately excited about celebrating and enjoying the US Coast Guard Birthday this summer!

How to Celebrate US Coast Guard Birthday

Have a blast with the observance of celebration of this important day. Join in on a wide variety of activities for the US Coast Guard Birthday, including some of these:

Throw a US Coast Guard Birthday Party

Those who have been members of the coast guard, who have benefited from the work of the coast guard, or even those who just appreciate it can celebrate by doing what people often do for birthdays – throw a party! Just like any party, the US Coast Guard Birthday deserves festive decorations such as balloons and streamers, some good music, a gathering of friends and, of course, a big cake! 

Make it a coast guard themed party by decorating with boats, anchors and all sorts of sea-themed ideas, as well as employing the American flag and the US Coast Guard flag. The snacks can also be of a maritime theme, with a cake made in the shape of a ship, cookies decorated like life preservers, and even a bowl full of individually wrapped Life Savers candies! Don’t forget to play the US Coast Guard Theme Song in the background, “Semper Paratus”.

Learn More About the US Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard Birthday celebration is a great motivation to learn a bit more about this important service. Do a bit of online research, check out some books from the local library, or head on over to the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut.

Make a US Coast Guard Birthday Playlist

Have loads of fun celebrating the US Coast Guard Birthday with music! Create a playlist that includes maritime and coastal themed songs, getting started with some of these tunes:

• Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin (1959)
• (Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding (1967)
• If I Had a Boat by Lyle Lovett (1987)
• Banana Boat (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte (1956)