Recognizing the historic significance of the 225th Anniversary of the establishment of the United States Coast Guard and expressing the appreciation of the people of Philadelphia to the Coast Guard for its dedicated service to protecting and advancing the nation's vital maritime security and interests.

WHEREAS, 225 years ago, on August 4, 1790, the United States Coast Guard was founded as the Revenue Cutter Service by the signing into law of the Tariff Act by George Washington at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton; and

WHEREAS, The 10 original vessels were responsible for the enforcement of federal tariff and trade laws and the prevention of smuggling. After the War of 1812, the revenue cutters were further tasked with preventing the importation of slaves, combating piracy, removing dangerous wrecks, and preventing plunder; and

WHEREAS, In 1915, Congress merged the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-Saving Service to create the United States Coast Guard as “a part of the military forces of the United States” and entrusted them with ensuring that maritime safety, security, and stewardship are maintained; and

WHEREAS, The men and women in the Coast Guard have selflessly served in the majority of our Nation’s conflicts, from the Quasi-War with France to Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS, The Coast Guardsmen continue the legacy of the brave Americans who first rowed their small boats into the rough seas of the Massachusetts coast, embodying the virtues of heroism, valor, and altruism; and

WHEREAS, The Guardians of the Coast Guard are dedicated to saving life at sea, protecting the marine environment, the nation's coastline and ports, and enforcing the nation's maritime laws; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is grateful for the sacrifices and accomplishments of the Coast Guard and for its historic contributions to our Nation, and the knowledge that it will continue to serve valiantly in our future; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes the historic significance of the 225th Anniversary of the establishment of the United States Coast Guard and expresses the appreciation of the people of Philadelphia to the Coast Guard for its dedicated service to protecting and advancing the nation’s vital maritime security and interests.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the United States Coast Guard, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

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