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Coast Guard Island in Alameda California was the setting Sept. 10 where Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta presented 24 members of Coast Guard Forces - composed of active duty, reservists, and Auxiliarists, with the new DOT 9/11 medal/ribbon.

The new medal or ribbon is awarded to selected personnel in the Department of Transportation, which includes both active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as select volunteers from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Coast Guard civilian employees.

Hanging from a red, white and blue ribbon, the solid brass medal features 11 rays of light rising from a candle, with nine stars superimposed over the lights. Two olives branches are set below the candle. It is inscribed with the Latin term"NE OBLIVISCARIS," meaning "Never Forget."

The back of the medal is inscribed with the words, "For Service and Sacrifice to the United States of America During and After the Tragic Events of September 11, 2001."

Hours before the ceremony was scheduled to begin, the Attorney General of the United States, John Ashcroft, had made an announcement that the terrorist alert level had been raised from yellow (an elevated state of alert) to an orange (high risk of terrorist attacks). This served as a poignant reminder that the country as a whole needs to follow the Coast Guard's motto of SEMPER PARATUS.

Vice Admiral Terry Cross, Pacific Area Commander, joined Secretary Mineta in commending the men and women of TEAM COST GUARD for their extraordinary homeland security efforts following the terrorist attacks of September 11th. In his introductory comments, VADM Cross remarked that he had served under every Secretary of Transportation since the Coast Guard was placed under that Department in the late 1960s, and noted that he was most impressed with the level of support and enthusiasm expressed to the U.S. Coast Guard by Secretary Mineta.

Secretary Mineta has a long history with the Bay Area. He grew up in the South Bay, and had served as a City Council Member, and then Mayor, of San Jose. He also served as the area's Congressional representative for over twenty years. Mineta remarked, "So even though my current job (which I love), much like yours, takes me all over the world, I always look forward to coming home to the Bay Area. And it is always a good day for me when I have a chance to spend time with the men and women of the best military service in the nation - the United States Coast Guard."

"The men and women of the Coast Guard represent a special breed. You are here, not for yourselves, but because you are attracted to the work, noble work in an unforgiving environment, and because you made sacred vow to serve your fellow Americans. Today, I have the distinct privilege of recognizing a team that exemplifies this special breed."

Secretary Mineta reminded everyone that the Coast Guard's traditional missions must not be overlooked or taken for granted."Even though much of our attention in the last year has focused on terrorism and security issues, both at home and abroad, the Coast Guard still exceeds the conduct of all of its traditional missions, with Search and Rescue among the most vital and most prominent."

Secretary Mineta then turned to the anniversary of the terrorist attacks." America will mark the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of last September 11th. We will remember that day, when a cunning and remorseful enemy, unconstrained by law or morality, launched hijacked airliners at civilian targets, deliberately and without warning, murdering thousands. Not surprisingly, the United States Coast Guard was among the first to answer the call for help. Within hours, the Coast Guard was on the scene, supporting disaster relief operations, and providing maritime anti-terrorism and force protection in the vicinity of New York Harbor.

"Across the nation, the Coast Guard did what it does best - protecting the homeland against foreign threats, and helping those in need. Amid America's grief, from out of our darkest moments, heroes emerged. Heroes that gave America the strength, not only to carry on, but to rise to new levels of bravery, and commitment, and compassions. Today I have the honor to recognize some of them"

The teamwork of the Coast Guard-active duty, reservists, and Auxiliary was also praised by Mineta. "The Coast Guard's response to the terrorist attacks, and the ongoing threat, has been truly a team effort. Coast Guard active duty roles adapted to meet the most urgent demands of the ongoing war on terrorism. Coast Guard Reservists returned to active duty. The Coast Guard Auxiliary, an entirely volunteer and unpaid arm of the Coast Guard, responded to many of the routine calls for help, freeing other Coast Guard forces to conduct expanded security missions. Each of you answered the call to duty, and a grateful nation thanks all of you for it."

Mineta specifically cited the work of Auxiliarist Gail Ramsey (District Commodore- 11 North Region), who received the DOT 9/11 Meal, and Auxiliarist Linda Vetter (SO-OP 1 11NR), who received the DOT 9/11 ribbon. Commodore Ramsey was instrumental in leading an unprecedented Auxiliary support operation in support of the Sea Marshal program, freeing active duty personnel to go where they were most desperately needed. Linda Vetter assembled a crew as soon as she heard of the attacks of 9/11, and provided the Coast Guard with much needed additional eyes and ears in patrolling the Bay Area's critical bridges and landmarks.

As to the future, Secretary Mineta stated," Americans can rest assured that the Coast Guard will remain at the ready, sharply focused on its primary duties - saving lives, improving safety, protecting the environment, patrolling our shores, defending the homeland. You are Always Ready, Always There, every hour, every day, around the clock, around the world. "

In conclusion, Mineta remarked, "Thank you for the honor of being with you here today. You make me proud to be the Secretary of the United States Coast Guard. God Bless America. Semper Paratus."