Coast Guard Day is an annual holiday celebrated every August 4th. It commemorates over 200 years of dedication to protecting waterways and the people who use them. The event is also a time to reflect on what we owe to these members of the armed services.
Many Coast Guard veterans who served before 1991 faced asbestos exposure risks. Some of these veterans have developed asbestos diseases like mesothelioma. One important way to help these veterans is by advocating for efficient and well-funded programs that veterans rely on for healthcare.
Celebrating the History of the Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard dates all the way back to 1790. It was this year that Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, founded the Revenue Marine. This organization later became the Coast Guard.
The initial authorization for the Coast Guard allowed the government to build cutters. These were small ships the Coast Guard used to enforce tariff laws and combat smuggling. Over the years, its mission expanded to include:
- Environmental protection: The Coast Guard works to protect endangered species and their ecosystems from pollution and other harms.
- Rescue missions: The Coast Guard uses cutters, boats and aircraft for search and rescue operations, saving thousands of lives every year.
- Transportation: The Coast Guard regulates the operation of commercial ships through a network of buoys, lighthouses and electronic aids.
You can celebrate Coast Guard Day in a number of different ways. Your local area may have Coast Guard Day events with food and games. You may also be within traveling distance of a Coast Guard museum, like the Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Massachusetts or the National Coast Guard Museum in Connecticut. The Coast Guard’s website even provides a list of movies featuring the Coast Guard if you want to celebrate with a watch party.
Advocating for Coast Guard Veterans
For many armed service members, 2025 has been a difficult year. Programs many veterans use for health and welfare are currently facing challenges. This Coast Guard Day, consider taking action to advocate for the benefits veterans rely on.
A quarter of all veterans live in a household receiving food assistance and healthcare from Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Cuts to these programs due to recent legislation could drive up costs for veterans. They could also limit healthcare access, especially for those who don’t live near a veterans hospital.
In 2025, the government carried out mass firings of employees at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Thousands have already been let go, and a leaked memo reveals plans to remove over 80,000 in total.
Politicians and advocates worry these firings will negatively affect the VA’s ability to provide medication, equipment and other health services. They also worry it could affect the processing of much-needed veterans benefits.
If you want to help advocate for veterans this Coast Guard Day, consider reaching out to your representatives in Washington, D.C., or attending town halls. You can also share information about cuts with friends and family to spread awareness.
