Today Is U.S. Coast Guard Day! [VIDEOS]

The U.S. Coast Guard has been protecting the waters of the United States and beyond since 1790, and today is the day that we salute the men and women of this great military organization!

With bases in Boothbay Harbor, Eastport, Jonesport, Rockland, Portland and Southwest Harbor, Maine has its share of active and retired Coast Guard personnel.  Thank you for your service!

From the U.S. Coast Guard's website:  For over two  centuries the U.S. Coast Guard has safeguarded our Nation’s maritime interests  in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe. We protect the   maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we   save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as   America’s Maritime Guardian — Always Ready for all hazards and all  threats.

Today’s U.S. Coast  Guard, with nearly 42,000 men and women on active duty, is a unique force that  carries out an array of civil and military responsibilities touching almost   every facet of the U.S. maritime environment.

The Coast Guard's  motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready."