The Nov. 8 edition in “News Briefs” mentioned a Veterans Day ceremony in Coupeville. It stated that each branch of the military would display their flags. In the next sentence, “in addition to the military flags” a Coast Guard flag will be displayed.

For the education of your news staff and the public, the Coast Guard was designated by the U.S. Congress in 1915 “a part of the military forces of the United States.” This language was in the “Act to Create the Coast Guard” which combined the Revenue Cutter Service and the Life-Saving Service.

The Coast Guard has served in every major conflict since 1790 when the Revenue Cutter Service was established. Coast Guard personnel and vessels are serving in the Iraq conflict.

Berry Meaux

CAPT, USCG-Ret.