Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Coast Guard Day
Coast Guard Day
Reading Comprehension for August 4
When you think of the people and organizations that defend America, which ones come to mind? There are the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Did you remember the Coast Guard, too?
In 1790, Congress authorized ten small ships to be built. They were to help enforce the trade laws and prevent smuggling. They were known at first as the Revenue Cutter Service.
A cutter is a small single-masted ship. The mast is set back farther than the usual mast placement, and the sails are larger. The name came from the speed with which these ships move through the water. Even after sails were no longer used, the name still stuck.
While the Coast Guard does protect America's coastline, it does other jobs as well. It is a military service, and it is also involved in law enforcement and environmental protection, as well as search and rescue.
