R 011104Z JUL 10

ALCOAST 343/10
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: COMMANDANTS INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE - STANDING THE WATCH
1. SHIPMATES, INDEPENDENCE DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE OUR
NATIONS BIRTHDAY, REFLECT UPON THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE, AND THANK
THOSE CURRENTLY STANDING THE WATCH AROUND THE WORLD PROTECTING OUR
FREEDOM.  THEIR TIRELESS AND SELFLESS SERVICE MAKES OUR CELEBRATION
OF THE FOURTH OF JULY POSSIBLE, AND EVEN MORE MEANINGFUL.
2. TODAY COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN ARE DEPLOYED PROTECTING THE GULF
COAST FROM OIL, SUPPORTING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, COMBATING PIRACY
OFF THE COAST OF AFRICA, CONDUCTING COUNTER-DRUG PATROLS IN THE
CARIBBEAN, AND AT COAST GUARD UNITS KEEPING OUR CITIZENS, PORTS AND
WATERWAYS SAFE AND SECURE.
3. I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD OF OUR RESERVE AND AUXILIARY MEMBERS WHO ARE
STANDING THE WATCH.  YOU HAVE BEEN OUR BENCH STRENGTH IN OUR BACK TO
BACK RESPONSES IN HAITI AND THE GULF OF MEXICO.
4. ON THE FOURTH, MY FAMILY, ALONG WITH MASTER CHIEF LEAVITTS FAMILY
WILL HAVE THE HONOR OF REPRESENTING OUR SERVICE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
SALUTE TO HEROES.  AT THIS EVENT, MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE ARMED
FORCES, INCLUDING 200 COAST GUARDSMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, WILL BE
RECOGNIZED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICE.
5. IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO SPEND THE HOLIDAY WITH FRIENDS AND
FAMILY, TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER YOUR SHIPMATES ON WATCH, AND PLEASE
CELEBRATE IN A SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER—RESPECT YOUR SHIPMATES BY
LOOKING OUT FOR THEM.
6. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT THE COAST GUARD HOMEPAGE AND VIEW MY
INDEPENDENCE DAY VIDEO MESSAGE AT: WWW.USCG.MIL
7. SEMPER PARATUS.  RELEASED BY ADMIRAL BOB PAPP, COMMANDANT.
8. INTERNET RELEASED AUTHORIZED.