236th Birthday of the United States Coast Guard

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

236th Birthday of the United States Coast Guard

WHEREAS, on August 4, 1790, the Revenue Marine - the preceding form of the United States Coast Guard - was created by the newly formed United States Congress to prevent smuggling and enforce federal tariff and trade laws; and

WHEREAS, in 1915, the Revenue Cutter Service - the successor of the Revenue Marine - merged with the United States Life-Saving Service by congressional action, thus forming the modern U.S. Coast Guard; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Coast Guard members carry out vital missions including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, homeland security, and ensuring the safe movement of commerce; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth is proud to be home to a significant number of active-duty Coast Guard personnel, Reservists, civilian employees, veterans, and military families serving at six stations and two major installations, whose dedication strengthens Virginia and helps protect our coastal communities; and

WHEREAS, on National Coast Guard Day, we recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the women and men who embody the Coast Guard's commitment to being Semper Paratus, "Always Ready";

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize August 4, 2026, as the 236th BIRTHDAY OF THE COAST GUARD in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.