Coast Guard celebrates founding

GRAND HAVEN, Mich., Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard has announced more than 1.1 million lives have been saved since its establishment in 1790.

Grand Haven, Mich.'s annual Coast Guard Festival, held July 27-Aug. 5, celebrated the USCG's 217th birthday. USCG officials have documented 1,109,310 lives have been saved by the nation's maritime law enforcement branch.

"When things are at their worst, America's Coast Guard is at its best," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in a statement. "What began as a revenue enforcement agency with a fleet of ten cutters established by Alexander Hamilton more than 200 years ago has evolved into the world's premiere multi-mission, maritime and military service.

"It's fitting that we celebrate the Coast Guard's 217th birthday this August 4th as we recognize its brave men and women for saving more than 1 million lives over the course of its long and storied history."

The Coast Guard is the smallest of America's five armed forces. Originally designed to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling and protect the collection of federal revenue, additional maritime responsibilities have been added over the years.

The annual festival since 1924 includes Coast Guard cutter tours, a children's parade, a downtown carnival, nightly entertainment, a parade, a family picnic and fireworks.