At our August meeting, the Post honored the Coast Guard as it celebrated its 223rd birthday on August 4. The Coast Guard is unique among the uniformed services. It has a maritime and military mission and is charged with enforcing maritime law in both domestic and international waters. During peacetime, the Coast Guard is under control of Homeland Security and authority for the service is transferred to the Department of the Navy during time of war.
As has become Post tradition, we honor each military branch during the month of its birthday by singing its hymn. To lead us in singing the Coast Guard Hymn, “Semper Paratus” (Ever Faithful), a retired veteran of the Coast Guard, Ken Armstong, was invited to attend our meeting. Ken is the City Manager of the City of Mill Creek. His family has strong ties to military service. His father was a retired pilot in the Air Force pilot, and numerous other family members served in other branches.