Each year on August 4, the U.S. Coast Guard celebrates its birthday. This year marks 234 years since the U.S. Coast Guard was established by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton in 1790.
Now dubbed the “father of the Coast Guard,” Alexander Hamilton was asked by Congress to construct 10 vessels that would enforce U.S. tariff laws and combat smuggling along the coastlines. Originally, the U.S. Coast Guard was called the “Revenue Marine Service.”
Today, the U.S. Coast Guard proudly serves its crucial role as one of the six indispensable branches of the U.S. military. Much like when the military branch was created, the Coast Guard patrols American coasts for drug smugglers, terrorist threats, and human traffickers.
According to 2023 estimates, the U.S. Coast Guard currently has roughly 57,000 active duty personnel, around 7,000 reserve personnel, and over 21,000 civilian volunteers.
All members of the U.S. Coast Guard, including USCG veterans, have made incredible sacrifices to protect our nation against threats both at home and abroad.
Ways to Celebrate the U.S. Coast Guard’s Birthday
This year, let’s all give the U.S. Coast Guard the love and appreciation it deserves. To celebrate the 234th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, consider doing any of the following activities.
1. Participate in a Coast Guard Event
To get involved with this year’s celebration, consider attending or even hosting an event to mark the occasion. You may choose to celebrate the U.S. Coast Guard with friends, food, music, and games.
2. Learn About the Coast Guard’s History
If a social gathering in your local area is not possible, or if there isn’t an opportunity to organize a get-together, consider reading up on the U.S. Coast Guard’s fascinating history.
Learning about the military branch’s triumphs and accomplishments can help build your gratitude and appreciation for the role the Coast Guard plays in protecting the United States.
3. Thank a Member of the U.S. Coast Guard
Whenever possible, it’s important to express to our military members — both active duty and veterans — how much we appreciate their service and the sacrifices they have made on our behalf.
If you know a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, try arranging a meal or a phone call to share with them your appreciation.
4. Construct Coast Guard-Themed LEGO® Sets
A kid- and family-favorite, LEGO sets span a vast number of categories — including sets that feature the Coast Guard and its ships, boats, and helicopters. To celebrate the occasion, gather the family together and enjoy building one of many LEGO Coast Guard sets.
5. Watch a Movie Featuring the U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard’s official website maintains a list of movies that feature the Coast Guard, including Deep Water Horizon, The Perfect Storm, and Clear and Present Danger, among many others.
Watching one of these movies can go a long way toward building a deeper understanding of the vital role that the Coast Guard plays in the American military.
The U.S. Coast Guard & Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos was cheap, lightweight, durable, fire-resistant, and easy to incorporate into a variety of products. Because of this, asbestos was used extensively in ships, vehicles, aircraft, and the construction of military bases.
However, exposure to this substance can also cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other illnesses. Before the military was aware of the serious health risks posed by asbestos, all branches used this toxic mineral.
Many veterans, especially U.S. Navy veterans, are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma as a result.
Nearly one third of all mesothelioma diagnoses can be tied back to exposure on naval ships or in shipyards.
The tragic truth is that the danger of asbestos persists long after the fighting is over. Because mesothelioma takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos, many veterans are still at risk of getting sick today.
Veterans with asbestos-related diseases may be able to hold the companies that made and sold these dangerous products to the military accountable.
“The reason why we're able to bring claims against the manufacturers who used asbestos in their products is because they knew it was dangerous. It's not your fault, and it should never have happened to you.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
Supporting U.S. Coast Guard Veterans & Their Families
As a national mesothelioma law firm, Sokolove Law has fought for countless U.S. Coast Guard veterans affected by asbestos exposure.
We are deeply honored to have the opportunity to give back to those who have served our country. It’s our privilege to support veterans and their families by seeking justice and securing the compensation they deserve.
Our firm has recovered over $5.1 Billion from mesothelioma claims, including more than $1.3 Billion for veterans with mesothelioma and their loved ones.
Our VA-accredited attorneys can also help veterans file VA claims and pursue a 100% disability rating for mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, contact Sokolove Law now. Let us fight for your family.
