On an overcast Monday morning, a wreath-laying was held on the 235th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard. It also honored guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
The ceremony was conducted by Alabama Coast Guard officers, the Mobile Navy League, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile).
The ceremony was held at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park near the Coast Guard Memorial.
Stimpson made these remarks:
I had the honor of joining U.S. Coast Guard leaders and Rep. Shomari Figures for a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 235th anniversary of the Coast Guard’s founding.
Mobile’s connection to the Coast Guard spans more than two centuries and remains strong today. More than 600 active-duty Coast Guard members currently serve in our community across three major commands: Sector Mobile, the Gulf Strike Team, and the Aviation Training Center. We’re also proud to be one of just 37 cities in the nation officially designated as a Coast Guard City.
The Coast Guard plays a vital role in safeguarding our port, protecting the waterfront, and defending our shores from threats both foreign and domestic. This morning’s event was about recognizing the Coast Guard’s 235 years of service to our country, and the Guardsmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting American citizens. It was also a special privilege to honor the 12 Guardsmen who lost their lives during missions here in Alabama. We are particularly grateful for their bravery and service.
Please remember the sacrifice and the families of Alabama guardsmen Harold F. Harwell, Willard W. Hawkins, Francis F. Silvia, Reed C. Mattingly, Raymond T. Brooks, Robert E. Winter Jr., Joseph A. Hinton, Mark C. Johnson, Dale T. Taylor, Thomas Cameron, Fernando Jorge, and Andrew W. Knight.
The ceremony commemorated the founding of the “Revenue Cutter Service,” the predecessor to the modern Coast Guard, on Aug. 4, 1790.
The Coast Guard, one of the nation's eight uniformed services, plays a vital role in maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement.
The Coast Guard traces its origins to a request by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton to enforce tariffs. What goes around comes around. Today, tariffs are a major issue in the United States for the first time since 1913.
In 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S. Lighthouse Service was absorbed into it in 1939.
While operating under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, the Coast Guard is transferred to the Department of the Navy in times of war or by presidential direction. The Coast Guard has participated in all major U.S. wars since its inception.
The Coast Guard has made significant contributions to Alabama and the nation. Alabama has also made significant contributions to the Coast Guard.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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