Honoring the Coast Guard

Well, it’s Coast Guard week.  I know some people love the festive vibe of this time of year.  For those who grew up coming to the festival, it brings back great memories.  But to me, because I’m a bit of a curmudgeon, Coast Guard Week is just a lot of extra traffic.  I’m happy to be out of town for it this year.  Several years ago, it was the city of Ferrysburg’s turn to host the Coast Guard banquet.  They asked me to give the invocation for the meal.  Sitting there with high-ranking officers and hearing about all the ways that the Coast Guard benefits us, I realized that this is more than a carnival.  It is a thank you to the men and women who are willing to risk their lives to defend our shores.  It is a celebration of people whose everyday duty is heroic.

If you head out to the festival this week, watch the parade, or take in the fireworks, remember: this is more than an excuse to throw a party.  Say thank you to a “coastie.”   And when you get stuck in Grand Haven traffic this week, maybe you can find it in your heart to be a little more gracious and patient out of respect for the US Coast Guard.