ALCOAST 385/18 - NOV 2018 VETERAN’S DAY – PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WORLD WAR I

united states coast guard

R 090838 NOV 18
FM SECDHS
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01710//
ALCOAST 385/18
COMDTNOTE 1710
SUBJ: VETERAN’S DAY – PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WORLD WAR I
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 250937 SEP 18/ALCOAST 327/18 - 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
LOSS OF USS TAMPA
B. SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 021840Z OCT 18, ALNAV 072/18 100TH - ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF
WORLD WAR I PLANNING ORDER
1. All Unit Commanders, Commanding Officers (CO) and Officers in Charge
(OIC) are requested to pay appropriate tribute to the 100th Anniversary of
the end of World War I (WWI), otherwise known as Armistice Day.
2. On 6 April 1917, the United States declared War on Imperial Germany.
For the USCG, this war was the first time the entire Service was transferred
to the Department of the Navy, augmenting the US Navy with 223 commissioned
officers, approximately 4,500 enlisted personnel, 47 vessels, and 279
stations. Six cutters, based in Gibraltar, were assigned escort and patrol
duties. The USCG suffered heavy losses, including all onboard TAMPA and 11
from SENECA. MCCULLOCH and MOHAWK sank due to collisions with the loss
of one life while our sister service the U.S. Light House Service lost the
DIAMOND SHOALS LIGHTSHIP LV-71 to U-Boat attack and the CROSS RIP LIGHTSHIP
LV-6 and all six onboard to severe weather.
3. One hundred years ago, at precisely the 11th hour of the 11th day of the
11th month of 1918, the “war to end all wars” was concluded via the
Armistice. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name of the
commemoration to Veterans Day as a way to commemorate all those who have
served our nation in uniform throughout our history. To mark this anniversary,
the United States WWI Centennial Commission (WWICC) is calling on Americans across
the nation to toll bells at 1100 on 11 November 2018 in remembrance of those who
served in WWI. The tolling of bells is a traditional expression of honor and
remembrance, and "Bells of Peace" is a national event to honor the 116,516
Americans who died and over 200,000 who were wounded in the Great War. Within
the past 100 years, we have seen the two deadliest wars in the history of the
human race, lethality made possible through components of globalization and the
firepower of the industrial age; an estimated 30 million lives were lost in WWI,
followed by a baseline estimate of 60 million in WWII. Together with our
brethren in the Department of Defense, we must never forget the unprecedented
lethality of modern warfare, and the highest of prices that those before us in
the Long Blue Line have paid for peace. Coast Guard men and women have served to
defend our nation since 1790, and will continue to do so with pride and distinction,
even unto the last full measure of devotion.
4. On Sunday, 11 November at 1100 units are encouraged to toll their bells 21 times
– the highest honor that can be afforded by U.S. Naval tradition. A reading of
the previous paragraphs via 1MC, quarters, or all hands is appropriate. Commands
that do not have bells can render the salute by other available means. The WWICC
is encouraging all Services and civilian partners to use #KnowYourMil for military
tributes during November.
5. Kirstjen M. Nielsen, Secretary of Homeland Security, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.