USCG Auxiliary Tulsa

In July 1939, the U.S. Lighthouse Service officially merged with the U.S. Coast Guard. Maintaining Aids to Navigation, including lighthouses, is still a vital mission carried out by Coast Guard crews today. At select lighthouses across the nation, Coast Guard Auxiliarists volunteer to conduct tours.

The first lighthouse established in America was on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor and was first lit on September 14, 1716. In 1776, the lighthouse was destroyed by British forces. Another lighthouse was erected on the same site in 1783, which stands today. Auxiliarist Sally Snowman has been the keeper of the light for several years (since about 2003) and is considered by some to be the last lighthouse keeper assigned by the Coast Guard.

Composite Image counterclockwise: Historic USCG photo (1897) of Boston Light; Auxiliarist Sally Snowman in period dress at Boston Light, photo by U.S. Postal Service Dan Afzal; old U S. Lighthouse Service government seal.

Best wishes on Father’s Day to all the great dads out there! Dads who raised us, dads in our hearts, and dads in heaven. Special thanks for dads standing the watch today. ⚓

Today on Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those military members who gave their lives in service to our Nation. Their legacy of extraordinary service and sacrifice will always be honored, they will never be forgotten.

Photo by Petty Officer Second Class Lisa Ferdinando, USCG.