Veterans Among US (VAUS) — UCOP’s newest employee resource group — invites all UCOP colleagues to learn more about August commemorations related to the military and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

August 4: Coast Guard Day

Chief Journalist Alex Haley in his dress blue uniform, late in his Coast Guard career. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

Since Aug. 4, 1790, the United States Coast Guard — our nation’s oldest continuous seagoing service — has been the premier force in maritime safety, security and stewardship.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s mission is to protect the public, the environment and America’s economic interests throughout the nation’s waterways, along the coast, on international waters and in any maritime region as required to support national security. Its responsibilities also include humanitarian duties, including aiding mariners in distress.

Today, Coast Guard members continue their noble mission of saving lives, protecting American coasts and ports and guarding U.S. interests overseas.

Coast Guard facts

• The U.S. Coast Guard motto is Semper Paratus, Latin for “Always Ready.”
• The Coast Guard was the first afloat armed force.
• The first chief journalist of the Coast Guard was Alex Haley, author of the novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family.” Haley served 20 years in the Coast Guard, including during World War II and the Korean War.

August 7: Purple Heart Day

The Purple Heart medal represents courage and bravery. It is a distinguished military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Each year on August 7, our nation recognizes the military personnel and veterans who have been honored with a Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is one of the oldest military decorations and it is presented to service members who were injured or killed in service to our country.

History of the Purple Heart

George Washington awarded the original Purple Heart — then designated as a Badge of Merit — in 1782, to honor soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action” at a time when the Continental Army lacked funds to award soldiers who were wounded in battle. Washington’s Badge of Merit was a purple heart-shaped silk badge with a thin edge of silver. He awarded three badges and then authorized his subordinates to bestow them.

The Badge of Merit faded from use but was revived in 1932 as the Purple Heart. In addition to honoring soldiers who were wounded in combat, this iteration recognized commendable action. In 1942, Congress updated the criteria for earning a Purple Heart to specifically honor all service members and some civilians who were wounded or died in battle. The first service member to be given the modern Purple Heart was General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II. Purple Hearts have now recognized the heroism of more than 1.8 million Americans. Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014 to reflect on the bravery and remember the courage of those who have sacrificed for our country. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is in New Windsor, New York.

August 14: Navajo Code Talkers Day

Navajo code talkers photographed in 2005 at Monument Valley, Utah. (Photo: Kenji Kawano.)

Navajo Code Talkers Day, marked annually on August 14, is a day that holds great importance in the history of the U.S., as it recognizes the contributions of Navajo Marines during World War II. Navajo Marines encoded and transmitted messages using a complex Navajo language-based code during a time when secret communication was essential to win a war. Their code was never broken by enemy forces in the Pacific and proved to be of great assistance to the U.S. Marines. We celebrate these great American heroes and their service to the nation!

Why we recognize Navajo Code Talkers Day

• It celebrates Navajo heritage. This day builds awareness of Navajo heritage and its essential role in the history of our country.
• It recognizes the efforts of the Marines. During WWII, the efforts of every soldier were essential for our nation’s survival. This day recognizes the bravery and intelligence that was used to create the unbreakable Navajo code.
• It keeps history alive. By celebrating this day, we remember that many American communities came together to aid our nation and the world during a time of great need.

For questions about these days of recognition, please contact Mark Romo or Martha Naber. Learn more about VAUS.

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