The US Coast Guard effectively utilized matchbooks as a multifaceted tool to support their operations and public engagement efforts. These matchbooks, distributed at Coast Guard stations, recruitment offices, maritime events, and community centers, prominently featured the Coast Guard emblem, iconic imagery of rescue operations, and slogans like "Semper Paratus" (Always Ready). They served as portable reminders of the Coast Guard's commitment to safety and service, often including vital safety messages about boating regulations, emergency procedures, and contact information for local stations. Additionally, matchbooks played a crucial role in recruitment, encouraging enlistment with compelling phrases and providing details on how to join the Coast Guard. By combining practical utility with informative and motivational content, the Coast Guard used matchbooks to enhance public awareness, promote safety at sea, and foster a sense of pride and unity among their personnel and the maritime community.
