ALCOAST 221/19 - JUL 2019 INDEPENDENCE DAY 04 JULY 2019

R 010937 JUL 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//DCO//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N05700//
ALCOAST 221/19
COMDTNOTE 5700
SUBJ:  INDEPENDENCE DAY 04 JULY 2019
1. On July 4th, 1776, 243 years ago, our forefathers signed the Declaration of
Independence. For the first time, a nation recognized that all of its citizens
were equal and deserving of the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness. As members of the United States Coast Guard, we serve as
protectors of these ideals our Founding Fathers envisioned and fought for all
those years ago.
2. As we celebrate July 4th this Thursday, let us reflect on all the United
States Coast Guard personnel who have, at one time or another, answered the
call to defend our Nation’s freedom. I want to thank our active duty and
civilian members who currently serve as our operational and mission support
experts for taking on-scene initiatives and bringing solutions to complex
problems. I also want to thank our reservists, who are greatly assisting our
Department of Homeland Security partners by deploying to the U.S./Mexico border.
A great deal of gratitude is also owed those family members who endure
separation, frequent relocation, uprooted job and schools to give loving
support to those who wear the uniform of our service. Last, but certainly
not least, I want to thank our Coast Guard Auxiliary who celebrated their
80th anniversary this past month and continue to proudly serve our Nation’s
maritime public. We also share our gratitude with our Department of Defense
counterparts and the thousands of veterans who preceded us in service and
sacrifice. We remember them especially on this day.
3. Wherever you might be celebrating, and to the many of you who will be
standing the watch, please have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
4. VADM D. B. Abel, Deputy Commandant of Operations, sends.
5. Internet release is authorized.