The U.S. Postal Service commemorated the U.S. Coast Guard on its 225th anniversary today by dedicating a Forever Stamp to honor its role in protecting the security of the nation and advancing vital maritime interests.
The stamp shows two icons of the Coast Guard: the cutter Eagle, a three-masted sailing ship known as “America’s Tall Ship,” and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, the standard rescue aircraft of the Coast Guard. For more details on the helicopter, visit this link.
Aviation artist William Phillips of Ashland, OR, painted the image using oil and Masonite. Phil Jordan of Falls Church, VA, is the art director. The back of the stamp sheet provides background on the Coast Guard.
The stamp dedication ceremony took place at the Coast Guard’s Douglas A. Munro Headquarters building in Washington, D.C. The building is named after a World War II Medal of Honor recipient who received the honor posthumously following the battle of Guadalcanal.
“The Coast Guard is truly a symbol of safety to all Americans. 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,” said Postmaster General Megan Brennan.
Joining Brennan in the ceremony were Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft.
“Stamps tell America’s story and it is a great honor for the Coast Guard to be memorialized on our 225th anniversary in the Forever Stamp collection. For 225 years, the Coast Guard has proven its enduring value to our nation. We warmly welcome this tribute and the opportunity to share our story with the nation we serve,” said Zukunft.
During an average day, Coast Guard personnel assist more than 300 people in distress, save more than $2 million in property, board 90 large vessels for port safety checks, conduct 120 law enforcement boardings, and investigate more than a dozen marine accidents.
The Coast Guard today has more than 49,000 active-duty men and women; 7,300 reservists; 8,300 civilian employees and 30,000 volunteer auxiliary personnel. In addition to saving lives at sea, members of the Coast Guard enforce maritime law, oversee aids to navigation, conduct icebreaking operations, protect the marine environment, respond to oil spills and water pollution, ensure port security, support scientific research at sea, combat terrorism and aid in the nation’s defense.
