On June 23, 1939, Congress gave the Coast Guard Reserve a legislative mandate to use civilians. It was done to promote safety on the high seas and the nation’s navigable waters. It was non-military and was formed by unpaid, volunteer U.S. citizens who owned yachts or boats. On February 19, 1941, Congress amended the 1939 Act by passing the Auxiliary and Reserve Act of 1941. It designated the Reserve as a military branch, with the civilians forming the Auxiliary. It became the Coast Guard Reserve, and its founding day is February 19.