August 4 is the professional holiday — Coast Guard Day in the United States. United States Coast Guard Day). This day was approved in America by the Council of Ministers in 1790.
It was on August 4 of that year that the US Congress, under the leadership of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, was authorized to begin construction of the country's fleet. At that time it consisted of only 10 boats. And the coast guard was created as the Customs Vessel Service. Revenue Cutter Service) and until 1967 was subordinate to the US Treasury Department, and then — to the US Department of Transportation. Today (since 2003), the Coast Guard is subordinate to the US Department of Homeland Security. And her motto is — Semper Paratus (from Latin. «Always ready»).
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is an integral part of the US Armed Forces and is designed to monitor the implementation of federal legislation and ensure the safety of ships in the waters of the high seas and in the interior of the country.
Its mission also includes protecting the population, environment, economy and security of the United States in any maritime region in which these interests are at risk, including international waters, the American coastline, ports and inland waters.
Members of this service took part in all US armed conflicts, including the operations of World War II and the Vietnam War and the Iraqi conflict.
For several years, the resort town of Grand Haven (Michigan) has annually sponsored the Coast Guard Festival and is known among the population as the «city of the Marine Guard».
As usual, on August 4th there is a memorable and large-scale festival of the US Navy, which is extremely popular. Among those celebrating the holiday you can find local city residents, military reservists, retired military personnel, and others.
In addition to the events of their professional holiday, Coast Guard members, as equal partners, take an active part in the US Armed Forces Day celebrations.