U.S. Coast Guard stamp
The U.S. Postal Service is commemorating the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard by dedicating a Forever stamp in the agency’s honor.
The stamp shows two Coast Guard icons: the three-masted cutter Eagle and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. Aviation artist William Phillips of Ashland, Oregon, painted the original image, with Phil Jordan of Falls Church, Virginia, acting as art director.
The back of the stamp sheet provides background on the Coast Guard, including its motto, Semper Paratus (“always ready”). Information is given about the agency’s history dating back to 1790, when Alexander Hamilton urged President George Washington to construct a fleet of 10 boats to enforce customs laws among maritime smugglers.
“The Coast Guard is truly a symbol of safety to all Americans,” Postmaster General Megan Brennan said at the stamp’s dedication ceremony. “Those who live in a coastal community, or spend time on our waterways and shores, know that the Coast Guard does whatever it takes to ensure that they are safe and protected.”
In an average day: The Coast Guard helps more than 300 people in distress, saves more than $2 million in property, boards 90 large vessels for port safety checks, conducts 120 law-enforcement boardings and investigates more than a dozen marine accidents.
The Coast Guard includes: more than 49,000 active-duty men and women, 7,300 reservists, 8,300 civilian employees and 30,000 volunteer auxiliary personnel.
Get your U.S. Coast Guard commemorative stamps: click over to www.usps.com/shop
