The Marine Corps Hymm

Copyright ownership of the Marines' Hymn was vested in the United States Marine Corps per certificate of registration dated August 19, 1991 but is now in the public domain. In 1929, the Commandant of the Marine Corps authorized the following verses of the Marines' Hymn as the official version:

"From the Halls of Montezuma

To the Shores of Tripoli;

We fight our country's battles

On the land as on the 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."

On November 21, 1942, the Commandant of the Marine Corps approved a change in the words of the fourth line, first verse, to read, "In air, on land, and sea." Marine Terminology "First to Fight"

Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the founding of the Corps. They have carried out over 300 landings on foreign shores. They have served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics. Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and challenge.

"Leathernecks"

The Marines' long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or neckpiece, which was part of the Marine uniform

from 1775 to 1875. The leather bands around their throats were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads erect.

"Devil Dogs"

In the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans received a thorough indoctrination in the fighting ability of the Marines.

Fighting through supposedly impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain, the persistent attacks,

delivered with unbelievable courage soon had the Germans calling Marines "teufelhunden," referring to the fierce fighting dogs

of legendary origin.

"Esprit de Corps"

The "spirit" of a unit. This spirit is commonly reflected by all members. It implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps,

with deep regard for history, traditions and honor.

"Uncommon Valor"

Refers to the victories in World War II, especially at Iwo Jima, the largest all-Marine battle in history. Admiral Nimitz's

ringing epitome of Marine fighting on Iwo Jima was applied to the entire Marine Corps in World War II: "Uncommon valor

was a common virtue."

"Gyrenes"

The term "gyrene" is a jocular reference to Marines which was first used in England as early as 1894. It was used in the

United States around the time of World War I. Its exact origin is unknown, but it did appear to have a derogatory meaning in

its early usage. It has been suggested that the term may embody a reference to pollywog, a naval slang term for a person

who has not yet "crossed" [the equator], hence, a landlubber. "Jarhead" A slang term used by sailors as early as World War

II to refer to members of the Marine Corps, drawing the term from the resemblance of the Marine dress blues uniform, with

its high collar, to a Mason jar.