U.S. Coast Guard Celebrated in New York at the Coast Guard Foundation’s Salute to the Coast Guard

 On October 8, the Coast Guard and maritime communities came together to honor and recognize the brave men and women of the Coast Guard in New York at the Lighthouse at Pier 61. 

The Coast Guard Foundation honored Sector New York and the crew of the Coast Guard Barque Eagle for their service during the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration in New York Harbor, and recognized Sail4th 250 for their partnership in the nation’s anniversary celebration. 

Sail4th 250 was recognized for its extraordinary leadership in organizing the largest international maritime celebration in American history, bringing the world’s tall ship fleets to New York Harbor on July 4th to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.  

The celebration united 43 tall ships from more than 30 nations, 50 allied and U.S. naval ships, and 15,000 international sailors in the Port of New York--New Jersey. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels led a 120-aircraft aerial review and the USCG Barque Eagle -- America’s Tall Ship -- led the Parade of Sail. An estimated six million people visited the area, generating $730 million in economic impact.    

In executing this historic celebration, Sail4th 250 embodied the very mission the Coast Guard Foundation honors: demonstrating commitment to national security, maritime excellence, and the enduring values that unite citizens across generations and borders.  

Watch how the Coast Guard and Sail4th 250 pulled off an incredible 250th anniversary celebration: 

The evening was emcee’d by author, motivational speaker, and former Denver Broncos running back Reggie Rivers; with addresses from the Coast Guard Foundation President, Susan Ludwig; and United States Coast Guard Vice Commandant, Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr.

Admiral Allan highlighted the importance of the Coast Guard’s relationship with the Coast Guard Foundation.  

“The readiness of our entire service is built on the readiness of those individual Coast Guard men and women and their families” said Allan. “The Coast Guard Foundation supports that readiness. Day in and day out, the Foundation provides education, morale, and relief services to our crews and families. Through the Foundation, our kids earn college scholarships, our members access education grants, and our crews receive equipment to stay resilient. When natural disasters hit our families, in the face of tragedy, the Foundation provides emergency relief and mental wellness support right away. That makes a difference.” 

It’s the support of those in the maritime community that has bolstered the Coast Guard Foundation in its mission to provide aid to the Coast Guard time and time again. In that spirit, Christina DeSimone, recently retired founder and CEO of Future Care -- an international medical management and telemedicine service provider that cares for seafarers while they are at sea or on land -- gifted the Foundation $20,000.  

This generous gift was announced at the start of the evening’s fundraising and propelled the event to raise a total of more than $450,000 for Foundation programs.

Community is what makes the difference for the men and women of the Coast Guard. Knowing that they can count on aid from their community is a huge part of what ensures their mission is completed with confidence. It’s events like the Salute to the Coast Guard in New York City that keep the Coast Guard Foundation in action, always ready to rescue the rescuers.

Title image: Honorees of Sector New York pose for a photo with Tom Allegretti, Coast Guard Foundation Chairman; Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation President; and USCG Vice Commandant, Admiral Thomas G. Allan.