Letter: Coast Guard deserves honor

In reference to “Your Photos, Your Life” and the political cartoon published on Memorial Day, the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who put their lives on the line every single day during peacetime and every war and conflict since 1790, were not included.

The Coast Guard suffered a higher percentage casualty rate in most conflicts than the other services. You hear of the brave Marines who landed on Guadalcanal and rarely hear about the Coast Guard, which operated landing crafts and made several trips during heavy fire from the Japanese. The Medal of Honor, which is our nation’s highest award, was posthumously awarded to Coast Guard signalman first class Douglas A. Munro.

Since the USCG is part of the Department of Homeland Security, many people do not realize it is a military unit. During the time of declared war it falls under the Department of the Navy. The Coast Guard has fought in non-declared wars such as Vietnam and the Gulf conflict. The other military services recognize the bravery of the Coast Guard Men and Women by acknowledging them during every ceremony. As an example, during the National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 29, the U.S. Coast Guard was the first military unit recognized during the medley of service songs.

I would think any community and/or person who thinks enough about our brave men and women in uniform to make a dedication to them, would also include the U.S. Coast Guard.

This story was originally published June 1, 2016 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Letter: Coast Guard deserves honor."