[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
United States Coast Guard as it celebrates the 208th Anniversary of its 
founding on August 4, 1998.
  On August 4, 1790, Congress passed a law creating within the 
Department of Treasury a service to enforce customs laws. The passage 
of this law was the foundation for the modern day Coast Guard. The 
following year, Hopley Yeaton was commissioned as ``Master of a Cutter 
in the service of the United States for the protection of revenue.'' 
Yeaton's commission, which was signed by President George Washington, 
marks the first commission of a seagoing officer, thus giving the Coast 
Guard the distinction of being the oldest continuous seagoing service 
of the United States Armed Forces.
  Today, the Coast Guard has grown into a force of over 35,000 men and 
women on active-duty and 8,000 reservist. On a daily basis, the 
dedicated members of the Coast Guard carry out a number of task which 
ensure the safety of our waters. These tasks include Search and Rescue, 
Maritime Law Enforcement, Aids to Navigation, Ice Breaking, 
Environmental Protection, Port Security and Military Readiness.
  In times of war, the Coast Guard has performed valiantly to protect 
our national interests. From the War of 1812 to the Persian Gulf War, 
members of the Coast Guard have served and given their lives during our 
Nation's most trying times. The Coast Guard's wartime service was 
especially noteworthy during the Second World War when 241,093 
Americans answered the call to service as members of the Coast Guard, 
1,917 of whom were either killed or wounded in the service of their 
country.
  Equally impressive are the often unsung acts of heroism performed by 
the Coast Guard on a daily basis. Whether the action is a preventative 
measure such as ensuring our waterways are clear of hazardous ice, or 
saving the lives of boaters in danger in the high seas, the work of the 
Coast Guard affects us all and is a contributing factor to the security 
we enjoy as Americans.
  Mr. President, the Coast Guard motto of ``Semper Paratus'', meaning 
``Always Ready'', indeed speaks to the dedication and efficiency of the 
Coast Guard as it stands watch over America's waters. For more than two 
centuries the Coast Guard has responded with the utmost dedication to 
service, and for this, Mr. President, all Americans have reason to be 
grateful.

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