The Marine Corps adopted Semper Fidelis as its official motto in 1883 (Semper Fidelis is also the title of the official musical March of the Marine Corps). Translated from Latin, Semper Fidelis means "Always Faithful." U.S. Marines use an abbreviated verbal version, "Semper Fi," to voice loyalty and commitment to their Marine comrades-in-arms. Previous mottos of the Marine Corps were
(1) To the Shores of Tripoli, adopted in 1805
(2) Fortitudine or fortitude adopted in 1812 ( I asked around and both forms where commonly used thanks for pointing it out)
(3) From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli, adopted in 1848
(4) By Sea and by Land, adopted in the 1850's.

I didn't know this.

Thanks a lot for the info!

I thought it was in Latin, "fortitudine"?

Added this info to the Marines motto section now.
Thanks again for the info Jarhead.

Jarhead are you sure that "To the Shores of Tripoli" was there motto? I thought it was just part of the "Marines hymn"? the same with 3 and 4.

i think he meant to say it was added at that time to the Marine Hymn

because the marine hymn has been modified as the wars have been fought.

No It was also the motto of the Marines before they adopted Semper Fi most of the older motto's where ripped from the British royal Marines.

"Retreat hell we just got here"

"We are surrounded that simpifies our problem"

"Marines die that is what we are made for but the Marine Corps lives forever that means You live forever"

"We're not surround we can just shoot in any direction"


OOORRRAHH!!!!!!!!!!!

We are surrounded and outnumbered 22-1. They can't get away from us now! CHESTY PULLER RULES!!!

"I would sacrifice an entire Division of Marines to get a medal of Honor"
-Chesty Puller-

Ya, the above is a real quote.