Culture.Mil - Semper Fi

Written by Jenifer Chrisman on August 31, 2015.

“Semper fidelis” is a fabulous Latin motto

meaning that in centuries of Roman might the soldier swore that he would fight

For Caesar, never questioning if he might return

or if the enemy when they attack could be driven aback – and that’s what it means.

We’re ever faithful” is the general gist in countries that are Christian

Though it means almost the same we pledge no longer to the name

Of Caesar, but to principles of the land we know and love,

Bestowing the motto in war on our readiest corps – the mighty Marines.

Men are dutiful to things contradictory –

loving all that is beautiful – knowing battle and victory.

They expect our expressions benedictory,

and they find it perplexing and vexing and odd when we are shocked.

They’ve forgotten the old established verities,

seeking only for fame and gold, seeing only disparities.

Those who worship the one true God are rarities

who remember the Biblical saying that God will not be mocked!

When the call to the true believer comes from the Church of God

Will they all in their heart receive Him go where He bids them trod?

Will the men who appear deserving, who to their faith are true,

answer when they are called to serving, do what she bids them do?

For many men profess their loyalty to true democracy yet bow to mockery

and bend the knee to aristocracy, for to live their creed their need is small.

And may men proclaim their worthiness, display their lowliness, disclaim their earthiness.

Oh give us strength to seek true holiness, and in word and deed to heed the call!

– Original lyrics to Semper Fidelis by Charles Burr

Semper Fidelis, meaning “always faithful,” was adopted by the U.S. Marines as their official motto around 1883. This change of motto was done at the initiative of Colonel Charles McCawley, the 8^th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Before 1883 there were three other mottos, although they were traditional, not official. The first, Fortitudine, meaning “with fortitude,” came about prior to the War of 1812. The second, By Sea and by Land, was believed to be adapted from the British Royal Navy’s Per Mare, Per Terram, meaning “by land, by sea.” The third, To the Shores of Tripoli, commemorated the 1805 capture of Derna by O’Bannon up until 1848. After 1848 the motto was changed to From the Halls of Montezumas to the Shores of Tripoli after the capture of Mexico City.

Semper Fidelis is also considered the official march of the USMC. Composed by John Philip Sousa^*, director of the United State Marine Band (The President’s Own), in 1889, he generally referred to Semper Fidelis as his best march. Developed from an exercise called With Steady Step from Sousa’s first book, The Trumpet and Drum (1886), the march features its famous drumroll and trio. It was played as a dirge in his honor by the Marine Band in procession to the Congressional Cemetery where Sousa was laid to rest on March 10, 1932. Lyrics to the march were later written by Charles Burr, date unknown.

Semper Fidelis, frequently shortened to Semper Fi, denotes the loyalty and dedication Marines have for ‘Corps and Country.’ And they have lived up to this dedication, as proved by the fact there has never been a mutiny. This carries on thoughout their life, even after they leave the service.

Sources:

Notes: *For more on John Philip Sousa and “The President’s Own,” a PDF can be downloaded at marineband.marines.mil/Portals/175/Docs/Audio/Educational_Series/semper/semper_fidelis.pdf.

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