From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

The Coast Guard Reserve birthday is Saturday, February 19th.

In 1939, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Federal law.  Originally, civilian boat owners were responsible for promoting water safety, seamanship, and other water-based missions.  In 1941, the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary Act changed the name to the Coast Guard Reserve and modeled it after the Naval Reserve.  Regular Reservists served on active duty during WWII, while Temporary Reservists performed coastal patrols and port security work.  During WWII, the Coast Guard Reserve made up over 90 percent of the 214,000 members serving in the Coast Guard in World War II.

Today, Coast Guard Reservists are activated during times of crisis in support of disasters like hurricanes and flood relief, and to provide expeditionary support to the Department of Defense during wars and joint military exercises worldwide.

According to the Museum of Military History, on any special occasion Coast Guard Reservists will recite the Coast Guard Ethos:

“I am a Coast Guardsman.
I serve the people of the United States.
I will protect them.
I will defend them.
I will save them.
I am their shield.
For them I am Semper Paratus.
I am proud to be a Coast Guardsman.
We are the United States Coast Guard.”

Note:  The Latin phrase Semper Paratus means “always ready.”