Cleveland – Coast Guard men and women serving across the nation and around the world will join their fellow citizens this Veteran’s Day in remembering those who served before them.
"We honor the service of our veterans whether they served with distinction as a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman," said Rear Admiral Ron Silva, commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District. "By their service, veterans can take justifiable pride in their achievements and the role they have played in our country's history. The service of every American veteran is critically important. I urge everyone to remember our veterans for we are indebted to them."
Rear Admiral Silva will be delivering the keynote address at the Cleveland Grays Armory Veterans Day ceremony beginning at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2003.
The Coast Guard, one of America’s five armed forces, traces it roots to Aug. 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of a fleet of "revenue marine" cutters to enforce the fledgling nations tariff and trade laws and protect the collection of federal revenue.
The service expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew and today is responsible for many diverse missions, including: maritime law enforcement, aiding mariners in distress, maintaining maritime navigation aids, protection of the marine environment, merchant mariner licensing and merchant vessel safety, and serving as the lead federal maritime homeland security agency.
The Coast Guard received its present name in 1915 under an act of Congress when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the Life-Saving Service.
The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government and, until the Navy Department was established in 1798, served as the nation’s only armed force afloat. The Coast Guard has continued to protect the nation throughout its long history, and Coast Guardsmen have served proudly in the nation’s wars and major conflicts.
Approximately 1,250 active-duty and reserve Coast Guard personnel deployed overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard eight 110-foot patrol boats, two 378-foot high-endurance cutters, a 225-foot buoy tender, five port security units, three law enforcement detachments, elements of the National Strike Force, and a harbor defense command unit; approximately 350 Coast Guardsmen remain in the Central Command area of operations.
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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.
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