A Proud Coast Guard Community

Although the community members of Cape May County have always supported, welcomed and honored the Coast Guard since its first appearance here in 1918, in 2015, Cape May County was officially designated a Coast Guard Community, along with only one other county and 15 cities in the nation. This designation was sought by the community through a rigorous application process, and was awarded after approval from the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Congress.
Now, two years later, the Coast Guard’s relationship with Cape May County is strong and growing. That relationship is reflected through many community efforts, including the placement of Coast Guard Community signs throughout Cape May County. Each municipality is embracing our Coast Guard Community designation by soon installing two signs that read “A Proud Coast Guard Community Member.” Many of the signs will be placed at the entrances into each municipality, so visitors are aware of the County’s connection to the Coast Guard, and locals are constantly reminded.
These signs have been generously donated by Cape May County. Freeholder Will Morey explains, “The County is thrilled to be the site of the Nation’s only Coast Guard Training Center, and it’s our goal for all who live or travel through Cape May County to see that Coast Guard seal and know how proud we are to be a Coast Guard Community. We provided signage to each municipality because the Coast Guard has an important impact throughout our Cape May County region, and all of our towns are included in the Coast Guard Community designation.”
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello and his staff have already decided to place one sign at the entrance into North Wildwood along Spruce Avenue/Route 147/North Wildwood Boulevard; the location of the second sign is still to be determined. “The staff and cadets at TRACEN are part of the fabric of the community of Cape May County,” says Mayor Rosenello. “Nothing makes me prouder as Mayor than to be able to welcome the men and women of the Coast Guard and their families into our community, and proclaim that North Wildwood is a proud Coast Guard Community through the installation of these signs.”
Down the road in Wildwood, Mayor Ernie Troiano and his staff are unsure about the locations of the signs. However, Mayor Troiano is considering purchasing 26 additional signs and placing them on the Wildwoods Boardwalk at each street. “It is and always has been a true honor to align our community with men and women who protect us by land and by sea,” Mayor Troiano shares. “There could be no greater honor for any community to stand up and say, ‘We love and support our military and its families.’”
The Five-Mile Island is just one of many locations in Cape May County that’s more than honored and excited to express their Coast Guard Community designation with the installation of these signs.
Look out for these signs in your Cape May County community!