Semper Fidelis

Happy 234th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

From the Halls of Montezuma,

To the shores of Tripoli;

We fight our country's battles

In the air, on land, and sea;

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title

Of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun;

In the snow of far-off Northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve;

If the Army and the Navy

Ever look on Heaven's scenes;

They will find the streets are guarded

By United States Marines.

When I was a child, we were all taught military songs in music class in elementary school and to respect the flag, our president and the country. The Battle Hymn of the Republic was one of my favorites but we were only taught the first verse. In reading the entire lyrics I especially like the last four lines!

For a wonderful explanation of what it means to be a U.S. Marine please visit the site at http://www.oo-rah.com/store/editorial/edi52.asp