There are moments when you realize something important is missing—not because it was overlooked on purpose, but because it’s often quietly carried without recognition.

That was the moment that led me to create the Stars & Stripes Coast Guard Funeral Program.

When my husband was still alive, he helped me carefully research and create memorial programs for the four most commonly recognized branches of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. We took our time. We studied ranks, official colors, traditions, and the words that mattered. Those programs were created with deep respect and intention.

And yet… there was still one missing.

The United States Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard is unique. It doesn’t always receive the same visibility as other branches, even though its service members stand watch every day—saving lives at sea, protecting coastlines, responding to disasters, and stepping forward in moments of real danger. In times of peace, they serve quietly. In times of war, they stand ready, often operating alongside the Navy when called upon.

Too often, they are forgotten.

That didn’t sit right with me.

Families who have lost a loved one who served in the Coast Guard deserve the same level of honor, recognition, and dignity. They deserve a memorial that reflects who their loved one was—and the service they gave.

So this program was created intentionally and thoughtfully:

• With Coast Guard–appropriate colors

• With official rank formatting

• With the motto “Semper Paratus”—Always Ready

• With the same cohesive design used across my Stars & Stripes military collection

This wasn’t about filling a gap in a product line.
It was about making sure no branch of service is left unseen.

Every life honored through this program mattered deeply—to their family, to their community, and to this country. This design exists to help families say, “Your service is remembered. Your sacrifice is honored. Your legacy matters.”

If you’re here because someone you love served in the United States Coast Guard, I hope this program brings a sense of peace and pride during a difficult moment. It was created with care, gratitude, and deep respect—for those who were always ready to serve.

View the Stars & Stripes Coast Guard Funeral Program →