"Semper Fidelis" is the motto of the United States Marine Corps. It is Latin for "Always Faithful" and it embodies the values of the Marine Corps, including honor, courage, and commitment. The phrase "Semper Fi" is a shortened version of the motto, and it is often used as a greeting or a way to show camaraderie among Marines.
The motto "Semper Fidelis" was adopted by the Marine Corps in 1883, and it has become an integral part of the Corps' identity and culture. It is a reminder to Marines to always remain faithful to their duties, their fellow Marines, and their country. The motto is often invoked during difficult times or when Marines are called upon to make sacrifices in service to their country.
The phrase "Semper Fi" has also been adopted by non-Marines as a way to show respect and admiration for the Marine Corps and its values. It is a way to express solidarity with the Marines and their mission.
The story below is fiction. However, it details the times in which the saying in used.
It was a hot and dusty day in the desert, and Corporal John Davis was leading his squad on a routine patrol. As they trudged through the sand, John couldn't help but think about how much he missed home and his family.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of gunfire up ahead. John signaled for his squad to take cover behind a nearby dune. Peering over the top, he saw a group of enemy fighters approaching fast.
John knew they were outnumbered and outgunned, but he also knew that as Marines, they were expected to defend their country and their fellow service members with their lives. He turned to his squad and yelled, "Semper Fi, Marines! Let's show these guys what we're made of!"
The Marines fought bravely, and although they sustained several casualties, they ultimately emerged victorious. As they treated their wounded and called for extraction, John couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his fellow Marines and the motto they lived by: Semper Fidelis, or "Always Faithful."
In the years that followed, John often thought back to that day in the desert and the bravery and determination of his fellow Marines. He knew that no matter where their service took them, they would always be faithful to their country and their fellow service members, just as they had been on that fateful day.