“Semper Fidelis” (Poem & Hymn)
Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
by David Tanguay
Tread through the rain marine - the corps supplies us with ponchos
Surviving through the monsoon season - we've learned to be quite macho
Our ponchos serve not only our body but it also becomes our home when we settle
In during a rainy night
We all hope the following day will bring us the sunlight
We load them on choppers and send them to a cooler atmosphere, “hey buddy - got a smoke?”
We never know when all hell could break loose; suddenly men are dying, as a battle is under way
As we fight our foe, we always manage to say a prayer that we make it through the day
Living through the journey of a leatherneck in Vietnam, the word semper fidelis is inscribed on our heart
A Latin word meaning “always faithful” Semper Fi -- good buddy we are a united part.
In a civilized atmosphere, don’t expect our attire to be tuxedos, ties and sipping vermouth
For we are known to make some noise and you’ll find our manners to be quite uncouth
Yes, they say once a marine always a marine, for it takes a tough man to become one of us
But when a marine calls you, friend you can be assured - he’ll be a friend you can trust
graduated from boot camp: August 31, 1967
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 ev'ry 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.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)hi david, my dad would have loved this story, and i love remembering he was a marine. he was very strict, and very tough. my hero, always. good story, best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting Susan, I'm not strict or tough with people. You might say I'm a "Gomer Pyle." ha haPlease log in to respond to this comment.
I have a very special place in my heart for Marines - ever since they saved my life when I was in the Army! Love Marines! Thank you for this! It brought tears to my eyes.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thank you for commenting LieslPlease log in to respond to this comment.
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