Celebrated on 08/04/2026
National Coast Guard Day is celebrated annually on August 4th, coinciding with the founding of the Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard's predecessor, in 1790. The Coast Guard is the only branch of the U.S. military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, but can be transferred to the Navy during wartime.
The United States Coast Guard traces its roots to August 4, 1790, when President George Washington signed the Tariff Act, authorizing the construction of ten revenue cutters to enforce tariff laws and prevent smuggling. This fleet, known as the Revenue Cutter Service, later merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service in 1915 to form the modern Coast Guard. National Coast Guard Day was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2013 through a resolution introduced by Representative Frank LoBiondo, designating August 4th as a day to honor the service and its members.
Over the centuries, the Coast Guard's mission has expanded from customs enforcement to include maritime safety, environmental protection, and national security. Today, National Coast Guard Day is celebrated with ceremonies, open houses at Coast Guard stations, and community events. The service also uses the day to highlight its multifaceted role, from search and rescue to icebreaking and drug interdiction. Many cities host parades and ship tours, while the Coast Guard Academy holds special events to honor cadets and alumni.
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