![]() "Semper Fidelis" signifies the dedication that individual Marines have to "Corps and country," and to their fellow Marines. In 1848, this was revised to "From the halls of the Montezumas to the shores of Tripoli." The second motto was "By Sea and by Land," taken from the British Royal Marines "Per Mare, Per Terram." Until 1848, the third motto was "To the shores of Tripoli." Inscribed on the Marine Corps colors, this commemorated Presley O'Bannon's capture of the city of Derne in 1805. The first of these, antedating the War of 1812, was "Fortitudine." The Latin phrase for "with courage," it was emblazoned on the brass shako plates worn by Marines during the Federal period. Prior to that date three mottoes, all traditional rather than official, were used. The Marine Corps adopted the motto "Semper Fidelis" in 1883. Over the years Marines have picked up nicknames like "Devil Dog" and "Leatherneck" and have adopted phrases "Semper Fidelis," "the Few, the Proud," and "Esprit de Corps." From the Marines' Hymn to the famous Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem, there is much to learn about the terminology of the Corps. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.The Marine Corps has a long and illustrious history dating back to November 10, 1775. All the Marines I know are familiar with Ronald Reagan’s words, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. Today, this elite class of warriors remain dedicated to the courage and principles that made our country free. They are the men who helped spread the light and flame of freedom across the world. I was also able to meet many of the Marine veterans from battles such as Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Okinawa, the “frozen” Chosin Reservoir, and Khe Sahn. Congressman Gene Taylor in Mississippi, one of the rewards of the job was helping veterans with military casework. It was a not so subtle reminder to remember those who have sacrificed so much, and also a subtle reminder that it’s very classy to put the focus on others on your own day of tribute. The Mighty Eighth suffered horrific casualties, and played a critical part in liberating the continent from fascism. At his retirement ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, he paid tribute to the men of the Eighth Air Force, who won the air war over Europe in World War II. My father was an officer and pilot in the U.S. Sunday is Veterans Day, a national holiday which honors the military veterans in our nation. Honor, courage, commitment – they already had it. Nicholas Hibbs, who said, “I could tell right off they were good citizens, good people, good guys with good strong families, strong work ethics. The new Marines chronicled in the Los Angeles Times article were described by their drill instructor, Staff Sgt. They are good heroes to emulate, especially when contrasted with many figures who are lifted up in today’s culture. To many people the names ring hollow, but to Marines they are the very definition of icons. Marines easily rattle off names like Chesty Puller, Smedley Butler, Pappy Boyington, and Archibald Henderson. One of the things I noticed about all Marines, is they all know the history of their fighting force. My brother, who works in a lumberyard, responded to this customer’s remark with a miniature harangue. In a recent conversation he said, “Somebody at work came up to me and said, son, you don’t know nothing about hard times.” Sometimes in the South, “son” can be used to talk down to somebody. My brother who is a Marine combat veteran of Iraq, emphasized the maturity and sacrifice of combat veterans with an analogy. The rigors of Marine boot camp, and The Crucible certainly transform the courage and character of an individual. On the battlefield, Marines in their late teens and early twenties have to make life and death decisions, immediately affecting the future of the men and women around them. In many cases, the War on Terror has been described as a war that is led by squad and platoon leaders. In a culture which glorifies the adolescent, with media spots and television shows depicting men as simpletons and children, the Marines call attention to an entirely different value. There was an even a section which chronicled the transformation of young recruits to Marines who embody the virtues of “honor, courage, and commitment.” David Zucchino of the Los Angeles Times has written a piece titled, “ From Boys to Marines.” The article is one in a series of articles about three teenagers and their wartime enlistment in the Marines. ![]() Marines, focusing especially on WWII to the present War on Terror. It is an impressive and moving tribute to the U.S. Last summer I visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. ![]()
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