''Semper fidelis'' () is a
Latin
Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power of the ...
phrase that means "always faithful" or "always loyal" (Fidelis or Fidelity). It is the
motto
A motto (derived from the Latin , 'mutter', by way of Italian , 'word' or 'sentence') is a sentence or phrase expressing a belief or purpose, or the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group, or organisation. Mot ...
of the
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combi ...
, usually shortened to Semper Fi. It is also in use as a motto for towns, families, schools, and other military units.
It is thought that it originated from the phrase that the senators of ancient Rome declaimed at the end of their intervention.
The earliest definitively recorded use of ''semper fidelis'' is as the motto of the French town of
Abbeville
Abbeville (, vls, Abbekerke, pcd, Advile) is a commune in the Somme department and in Hauts-de-France region in northern France.
It is the chef-lieu of one of the arrondissements of Somme. Located on the river Somme, it was the capital of ...
since 1369. It has also been used by other towns, and is recorded as the motto of various European families since the 16th century, and possibly since the 13th century or earlier. Records show many families in England, France and Ireland using this motto.
The earliest recorded use of ''semper fidelis'' by a military unit is by the Duke of Beaufort's Regiment of Foot, raised in south-western England in 1685. This is apparently linked to its use as a motto by the city of
Exeter
Exeter () is a city in Devon, South West England. It is situated on the River Exe, approximately northeast of Plymouth and southwest of Bristol.
In Roman Britain, Exeter was established as the base of Legio II Augusta under the personal comm ...
no later than 1660. Subsequently, a variety of military organizations adopted the motto.
Families and individuals
This phrase was used in Europe, at least in Great Britain, Ireland and France and probably in other countries as well. A more recent adoption is by
Senator
A senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature. The name comes from the ancient Roman Senate (Latin: ''Senatus''), so-called as an assembly of the senior (Latin: ''senex'' meaning "the el ...
Joe Doyle, in arms granted by the
Chief Herald of Ireland
The Genealogical Office is an office of the Government of Ireland containing genealogical records. It includes the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland ( ga, Príomh Aralt na hÉireann), the authority in Ireland for heraldry. The Chief Herald ...
in 1999.
Bernard Burke
Sir John Bernard Burke, (5 January 1814 – 12 December 1892) was a British genealogist and Ulster King of Arms, who helped publish ''Burke's Peerage''.
Personal life
Burke, of Irish descent, was born at London and was educated in London and ...
in 1884 listed many notable families in
Great Britain
Great Britain is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of continental Europe. With an area of , it is the largest of the British Isles, the largest European island and the ninth-largest island in the world. It is ...
and
Ireland
Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
using the motto "Semper fidelis" in their
coats of arms
A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard (the latter two being outer garments). The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement, which in its wh ...
. They include:
*
Lynch
Lynch may refer to:
Places Australia
* Lynch Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica
* Lynch Point, Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica
* Lynch's Crater, Queensland, Australia
England
* River Lynch, Hertfordshire
* The Lynch, an island in the River ...
family (Ireland): "Semper Fidelis" is the family motto of the Lynch family. The Lynches were one of the
Tribes of Galway
The Tribes of Galway ( ga, Treibheanna na Gaillimhe) were 14 merchant families who dominated the political, commercial and social life of the city of Galway in western Ireland between the mid-13th and late 19th centuries. They were the families ...
who were fourteen merchant families who dominated the political, commercial, and social life of the city of
Galway
Galway ( ; ga, Gaillimh, ) is a City status in Ireland, city in the West Region, Ireland, West of Ireland, in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Connacht, which is the county town of County Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lo ...
in western Ireland between the 13th and 16th centuries. Members of the 'Tribes' were considered Old English gentry. The Lynches were descended from William Le Petit, who was one of the
Norman
Norman or Normans may refer to:
Ethnic and cultural identity
* The Normans, a people partly descended from Norse Vikings who settled in the territory of Normandy in France in the 10th and 11th centuries
** People or things connected with the Norm ...
knights who settled in Ireland following the grant of Ireland as a fiefdom by
Pope Adrian IV
Pope Adrian IV ( la, Adrianus IV; born Nicholas Breakspear (or Brekespear); 1 September 1159, also Hadrian IV), was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 4 December 1154 to his death in 1159. He is the only Englishman t ...
to King
Henry II of England
Henry II (5 March 1133 – 6 July 1189), also known as Henry Curtmantle (french: link=no, Court-manteau), Henry FitzEmpress, or Henry Plantagenet, was King of England from 1154 until his death in 1189, and as such, was the first Angevin king ...
in the early 12th century. "Semper Fidelis" appears on the Lynch Family coat of arms. Although the earliest traceable reference to this usage is
James Hardiman
James Hardiman (1782–1855), also known as Séamus Ó hArgadáin, was a librarian at Queen's College, Galway.
Hardiman is best remembered for his '' History of the Town and County of Galway'' (1820) and '' Irish Minstrelsy'' (1831), one of the f ...
's history of Galway published in 1820, the history of the family makes it likely that the motto was in use by the 14th or 15th century.
* Frith family (Ireland): The family of
John Frith, Protestant martyr, is thought to have used the motto as far back as the 16th century. John Frith is the earliest entry in Burke's list of the Frith family. The Friths settled in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, after John Frith's execution. The family fought at the
Battle of the Boyne
The Battle of the Boyne ( ga, Cath na Bóinne ) was a battle in 1690 between the forces of the deposed King James II of England and Ireland, VII of Scotland, and those of King William III who, with his wife Queen Mary II (his cousin and ...
.
* Edge family (England): The Edge family of
Strelley
Strelley is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Broxtowe and City of Nottingham in Nottinghamshire, England. It is to the west of Nottingham. The population of the civil parish taken at the 2011 census was 653. It is also the name of t ...
, Nottinghamshire, were using the motto "Semper fidelis" by 1814 at the latest (see UK
National Archives document reference DD/E/209/32-34). The arms were granted in 1709, but it is not recorded whether the motto formed part of the initial grant.
* Molteno family (South Africa): The Molteno family motto is recorded as "semper fidelis" on versions of their arms held in the archives of the University of Cape Town.
* Onslow family (England): the family of the
Earls of Onslow
Earl of Onslow, of Onslow in the County of Shropshire and of Clandon Park in the County of Surrey is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1801 for George Onslow, 4th Baron Onslow.
History
The Onslow family descends ...
uses the motto "Semper fidelis" (see also Lodge, 1832), though their alternative motto (the punning ''
Festina lente
''Festina lente'' () or ''speûde bradéōs'' (, ) is a classical adage and oxymoron meaning "make haste slowly" (sometimes rendered in English as "more haste, less speed"). It has been adopted as a motto numerous times, particularly by the emp ...
'') is better known.
* Stewart family (Scotland; also spelled Steuart, especially in older sources): "Semper Fidelis" is the family motto of the Stewart family of
Ballechin
Ballechin distillery was a Scotch whisky distillery operated between 1810 and 1927 and was one of seven original farm distilleries operating in Perthshire. Out of these seven, Edradour is the only one remaining.
Later in life the distillery was ...
in Perthshire. J. Burke (1836, pp. 149–150) records that the family goes back to an illegitimate son of
James II of Scotland
James II (16 October 1430 – 3 August 1460) was King of Scots from 1437 until his death in 1460. The eldest surviving son of James I of Scotland, he succeeded to the Scottish throne at the age of six, following the assassination of his father. ...
(1430–1460), and the motto is recorded by Burke and by Robson (1830). However they do not report the date of its first use.
Burke's full list of families using the motto was: Booker, Barbeson, Bonner, Broadmead, Carney, Chesterman, Dick, Dickins, Duffield, Edge, Formby, Frisby, Garrett, Haslett, Hill, Houlton, Kearney, Lynch, Lund, Marriott, Nicholls, Onslow, Pollexfen,
Smith
Smith may refer to:
People
* Metalsmith, or simply smith, a craftsman fashioning tools or works of art out of various metals
* Smith (given name)
* Smith (surname), a family name originating in England, Scotland and Ireland
** List of people wi ...
, Steele, Steehler, Steuart, Stirling and Wilcoxon. A large portion of these families were Irish or Scottish.
Chassant and Tausin (1878, p. 647) list the following French families as using it: D'Arbaud of Jonques, De Bréonis, Chevalier of Pontis, Du Golinot of Mauny, De Coynart, De Genibrouse of Gastelpers, Macar of the Province of Liege, Milet of Mureau, Navoir of Ponzac, De Piomelles, De Poussois, de Lamarzelle, De Reymons, Henry de Lolière and De Rozerou of Mos.
Cities
Abbeville (since 1369)
The city of
Abbeville
Abbeville (, vls, Abbekerke, pcd, Advile) is a commune in the Somme department and in Hauts-de-France region in northern France.
It is the chef-lieu of one of the arrondissements of Somme. Located on the river Somme, it was the capital of ...
in
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
is recorded by 19th century sources (such as Chassant and Taussin, 1878) as using the motto "Semper fidelis," and recent sources state that the city was accorded this motto by
Charles V Charles V may refer to:
* Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (1500–1558)
* Charles V of Naples (1661–1700), better known as Charles II of Spain
* Charles V of France (1338–1380), called the Wise
* Charles V, Duke of Lorraine (1643–1690)
* Infan ...
, by
letters patent
Letters patent ( la, litterae patentes) ( always in the plural) are a type of legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch, president or other head of state, generally granting an office, right, monopoly, titl ...
of 19 June 1369, issued at
Vincennes
Vincennes (, ) is a commune in the Val-de-Marne department in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the centre of Paris. It is next to but does not include the Château de Vincennes and Bois de Vincennes, which are attached ...
. This would make it the earliest recorded user of the motto among cities. However both Louandre (1834, p. 169) and the city's current official website give the motto simply as "Fidelis", and Sanson (1646, p. 15) claimed that even this was not part of Charles's original grant, but was added later, sometime in the 14th to 17th centuries.
Lviv
![POL Lwów COA](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/POL_Lw%C3%B3w_COA.svg)
In 1658,
Pope Alexander VII
Pope Alexander VII ( it, Alessandro VII; 13 February 159922 May 1667), born Fabio Chigi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 April 1655 to his death in May 1667.
He began his career as a vice- papal legate, an ...
bestowed the heraldic motto "Leopolis semper fidelis" on
Lviv
Lviv ( uk, Львів) is the largest city in western Ukraine, and the seventh-largest in Ukraine, with a population of . It serves as the administrative centre of Lviv Oblast and Lviv Raion, and is one of the main cultural centres of Ukraine ...
(then part of the
Kingdom of Poland
The Kingdom of Poland ( pl, Królestwo Polskie; Latin: ''Regnum Poloniae'') was a state in Central Europe. It may refer to:
Historical political entities
*Kingdom of Poland, a kingdom existing from 1025 to 1031
*Kingdom of Poland, a kingdom exist ...
). In 1936, the motto "Semper fidelis" was applied again to the coat of arms of the city (then part of the
Second Polish Republic
The Second Polish Republic, at the time officially known as the Republic of Poland, was a country in Central Europe, Central and Eastern Europe that existed between 1918 and 1939. The state was established on 6 November 1918, before the end of ...
).
Today, in
Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of . Poland has a population of over 38 million and is the fifth-most populous ...
, the motto is referenced mainly in connection with the
Polish-Ukrainian War of 1919 following the collapse of
Austro-Hungary
Austria-Hungary, often referred to as the Austro-Hungarian Empire,, the Dual Monarchy, or Austria, was a constitutional monarchy and great power in Central Europe between 1867 and 1918. It was formed with the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of ...
in the wake of
World War I
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
, and more especially in connection with the
Polish-Bolshevik War that followed.
In Ukraine, the phrase is used much less, and refers to the survival of the
Ukrainian Church through the period of Soviet persecution.
Exeter (since 1660 or earlier)
The City of
Exeter
Exeter () is a city in Devon, South West England. It is situated on the River Exe, approximately northeast of Plymouth and southwest of Bristol.
In Roman Britain, Exeter was established as the base of Legio II Augusta under the personal comm ...
, in
Devon
Devon ( , historically known as Devonshire , ) is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in South West England. The most populous settlement in Devon is the city of Plymouth, followed by Devon's county town, the city of Exeter. Devon is ...
, England, has used the motto since at least 1660, when it appears in a manuscript of the local chronicler,
Richard Izacke
Richard Izacke (16241698) of Devon was an antiquarian and lawyer who served as Chamberlain of the City of Exeter. His history, ''Antiquities of the City of Exeter'', was first published in 1677.
Biography
Baptised on 8 February 1624 at Ottery St ...
. Izacke claimed that the
motto
A motto (derived from the Latin , 'mutter', by way of Italian , 'word' or 'sentence') is a sentence or phrase expressing a belief or purpose, or the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group, or organisation. Mot ...
was adopted in 1588 to signify the city's loyalty to the English
Crown
A crown is a traditional form of head adornment, or hat, worn by monarchs as a symbol of their power and dignity. A crown is often, by extension, a symbol of the monarch's government or items endorsed by it. The word itself is used, partic ...
. According to Izacke, it was
Queen Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I (7 September 153324 March 1603) was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. Elizabeth was the last of the five House of Tudor monarchs and is sometimes referred to as the "Virgin Queen".
El ...
who suggested that the city adopt this motto (perhaps in imitation of her own motto, ''Semper eadem'', "Ever the same"); her suggestion is said to have come in a letter to "the Citizens of Exeter," in recognition of their gift of money toward the fleet that had defeated the
Spanish Armada
The Spanish Armada (a.k.a. the Enterprise of England, es, Grande y Felicísima Armada, links=no, lit=Great and Most Fortunate Navy) was a Spanish fleet that sailed from Lisbon in late May 1588, commanded by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, an aris ...
.
John Hooker John Hooker may refer to:
*John Hooker (English constitutionalist) (c. 1527–1601), English writer, solicitor, antiquary, civic administrator and advocate of republican government
*John Lee Hooker (1912–2001), American blues singer-songwriter an ...
's map of Exeter of around 1586 shows the city's coat of arms without the motto, suggesting that the city's use of the motto is no older than this. However the city archives do not hold any letter relating to the motto, and Grey (2005) argues that the Elizabethan origin of the motto may be no more than a local myth, since it is not recorded in contemporary chronicles, and that it may have been adopted at the Restoration of the Stuart monarchy to compensate for the city's less than total loyalty to the crown during the
English Civil War
The English Civil War (1642–1651) was a series of civil wars and political machinations between Parliamentarians (" Roundheads") and Royalists led by Charles I ("Cavaliers"), mainly over the manner of England's governance and issues of re ...
.
Various bodies associated with the city of Exeter also use the motto:
* The
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Although warships were used by English and Scottish kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against F ...
HMS ''Exeter'', which is named after the City of Exeter.
* Various Exeter-based units of the British Army, see below.
* There is a
Masonic Lodge
A Masonic lodge, often termed a private lodge or constituent lodge, is the basic organisational unit of Freemasonry. It is also commonly used as a term for a building in which such a unit meets. Every new lodge must be warranted or chartered ...
in Exeter, called "Lodge Semper Fidelis."
* Exeter City Police – the motto was inscribed on the force crest.
*
Exeter City Fire Brigade
The Exeter City Fire Brigade was the first municipal fire brigade in Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom. The brigade was formed in 1888, on the recommendation of Captain Sir Eyre Shaw, the Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (now renamed ...
featured the motto on their brigade crest
* Some versions of the crest of
Exeter City Football Club
St. Malo (since 17th century or earlier)
![Blason Saint-Malo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Blason_Saint-Malo.png)
"Semper fidelis" is the motto of the town of
St. Malo, in
Brittany
Brittany (; french: link=no, Bretagne ; br, Breizh, or ; Gallo language, Gallo: ''Bertaèyn'' ) is a peninsula, Historical region, historical country and cultural area in the west of modern France, covering the western part of what was known ...
, France. The date of its adoption is not known, but it appears to have been in use in the 17th century, replacing an earlier motto, "Cave canem".
Calvi
"Civitas Calvi Semper Fidelis" may have been the motto of the city of
Calvi, Balagna area in
Corsica
Corsica ( , Upper , Southern ; it, Corsica; ; french: Corse ; lij, Còrsega; sc, Còssiga) is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 18 regions of France. It is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean and lies southeast of ...
for 500 years.
White Plains
"Semper Fidelis" is the motto of the city of
White Plains, in
New York
New York most commonly refers to:
* New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York
* New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States
New York may also refer to:
Film and television
* '' ...
, United States.
Military units
Regiments from south-western England (from 1685)
The south-western English city of Exeter has used the motto ''semper fidelis'' since no later than 1660, inspiring its use by several south-western English military units.
Duke of Beaufort's Regiment of Foot (from 1685)
In 1685 the motto was used by Duke of Beaufort when The Duke of Beaufort's Regiment of Foot, or Beaufort Musketeers, were raised to defend Bristol against the
Duke of Monmouth's rebellion. It was numbered as the 11th Regiment of Foot when the numerical system of regimental designation was adopted in 1751 and was designated the regiment for North Devonshire (later the
Devonshire Regiment
The Devonshire Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army that served under various titles and served in many wars and conflicts from 1685 to 1958, such as the Second Boer War, the First World War and the Second World War. In 1958 ...
).
The 1st (Exeter and South Devon) Rifle Volunteer Corps (from 1852)
The 1st (Exeter and South Devon) Rifle Volunteer Corps, raised in Exeter in 1852, was using the motto on its cap badge by 1860 at the latest; the
Illustrated London News
''The Illustrated London News'' appeared first on Saturday 14 May 1842, as the world's first illustrated weekly news magazine. Founded by Herbert Ingram, it appeared weekly until 1971, then less frequently thereafter, and ceased publication in ...
reported its use in its 7 January 1860 issue. The motto was continued by
The Devonshire Regiment
The Devonshire Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army that served under various titles and served in many wars and conflicts from 1685 to 1958, such as the Second Boer War, the First World War and the Second World War. In 1958 ...
of the
British Army
The British Army is the principal land warfare force of the United Kingdom, a part of the British Armed Forces along with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. , the British Army comprises 79,380 regular full-time personnel, 4,090 Gurk ...
.
Devonshire and Dorset Regiment (from 1958)
The motto was further continued on the badges of the
Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment (11th, 39th and 54th), usually just known as the Devon and Dorsets, was an infantry regiment of the British Army formed in 1958 by the amalgamation of two county regiments, the Devonshire Regiment and the Dorset ...
when the Devonshires were amalgamated into them in 1958. This use of the motto evidently derives from these regiments' close connection with the city of Exeter, where they had a base from their foundation (see the Illustrated London News article referenced above) until their disappearance by amalgamation into
the Rifles
The Rifles is an infantry regiment of the British Army. Formed in 2007, it consists of four Regular battalions and three Reserve battalions, plus a number of companies in other Army Reserve battalions. Each battalion of The Rifles was formerly ...
in 2007.
The Irish Brigade of France (1690–1792) (''Semper et ubique Fidelis'')
The Irish units in France used a similar motto, "Semper et ubique Fidelis", meaning "Always and Everywhere Faithful". These units, forming the
Irish Brigade, were raised in 1690-1 under the terms of the Treaty of Limerick, which ended the war between
King James II
James VII and II (14 October 1633 16 September 1701) was King of England and King of Ireland as James II, and King of Scotland as James VII from the death of his elder brother, Charles II, on 6 February 1685. He was deposed in the Glorious Re ...
and
King William III
William III (William Henry; ; 4 November 16508 March 1702), also widely known as William of Orange, was the sovereign Prince of Orange from birth, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel in the Dutch Republic from the ...
in Ireland and Britain. As the native Irish army in exile, "Semper et ubique Fidelis" was a reference to their fidelity to the Catholic faith, King James II, and to the king of France. For decades the Irish Brigade served as an independent army within the French army, remaining "Always and Everywhere Faithful" to their native Irish traditions (such as having the men elect their own officers, unheard of in France and England).
Antoine Walsh's regiment of the Irish Brigade is noted for aiding the American cause in the American Revolution, when they were assigned as
marines
Marines, or naval infantry, are typically a military force trained to operate in littoral zones in support of naval operations. Historically, tasks undertaken by marines have included helping maintain discipline and order aboard the ship (refle ...
to John Paul Jones's ship, the .
The involvement of Irish Brigade soldiers serving as marines in the
American War of Independence
The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was a major war of the American Revolution. Widely considered as the war that secured the independence of t ...
may have inspired the adoption of the motto "Semper Fidelis" by the US Marines. This would be ironic since the Irish Brigade motto referred specifically to their loyalty to Catholicism and Catholic kings, while the American rebels were fighting for a republican form of government for a largely Protestant population.
The phrase "Semper Fidelis" was made the official motto of the Marine Corps by
Charles Grymes McCawley
Charles Grymes McCawley (January 29, 1827 – October 13, 1891) was the eighth commandant of the Marine Corps and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
Biography
Bo ...
, the eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which had a large Irish Catholic population. McCawley owed his commission to Senator
Pierre Soulé
Pierre Soulé (August 31, 1801March 26, 1870) was a French-American attorney, politician, and diplomat in the mid-19th century. Serving as a U.S. senator from Louisiana from 1849 to 1853, he was nominated that year as U.S. Minister to Spain, a p ...
of Louisiana, a Catholic born and raised in France, who would have been well aware of the Irish Brigade's service as Marines during the American Revolution.
French 47th Infantry Regiment
The French 47th Infantry Regiment used "Semper fidelis" as its motto.
Cadet Corps of the Dutch Royal Military Academy (since 1828)
"Semper fidelis" is the motto of the cadets corps of the Dutch Royal Military Academy. The corps was founded on 24 November 1828.
11th Infantry Regiment, United States Army (since 1861)
"Semper fidelis" is also the motto of the
11th Infantry Regiment, which was founded in May 1861 by President
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln ( ; February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation thro ...
. It served as part of the Army of Ohio and later in the Indian wars, Spanish–American War, 1916 Mexican Border war,
World War I
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
,
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
, and the
Vietnam war
The Vietnam War (also known by #Names, other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vie ...
. Today the regiment trains young Army officers at
Fort Benning, Georgia
Fort Benning is a United States Army post near Columbus, Georgia, adjacent to the Alabama–Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia border. Fort Benning supports more than 120,000 active-duty military, family members, reserve component soldiers, retirees ...
.
The West Nova Scotia Regiment (since 1936, inherited from Lunenburg Regiment, 1870)
"Semper fidelis" is the motto of
The West Nova Scotia Regiment
The West Nova Scotia Regiment is a line infantry regiment of the Canadian Army, part of the Primary Reserve, and is part of the 5th Canadian Division's 36 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment recruits volunteers from the South-Western part of th ...
(of the
Canadian Armed Forces
}
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF; french: Forces armées canadiennes, ''FAC'') are the unified military forces of Canada, including sea, land, and air elements referred to as the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force.
...
), formed in 1936. It inherited the motto from
The Lunenburg Regiment, formed in 1870.
The United States Marine Corps (since 1883)
![USMC logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/Seal_of_the_United_States_Marine_Corps.svg)
The
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combi ...
adopted the motto "Semper Fidelis" in 1883, on the initiative of Colonel
Charles McCawley (29 January 1827 – 13 October 1891), the 8th
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) is normally the highest-ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Joint Chiefs of Staff: composition; functions. The CMC reports directly to the secr ...
.
There were three mottos prior to Semper Fidelis including
''Fortitudine'' (meaning "with courage") antedating the War of 1812, ''Per Mare, Per Terram'' ("by sea, by land"; presumably inherited from the British
Royal Marines
The Corps of Royal Marines (RM), also known as the Royal Marines Commandos, are the UK's special operations capable commando force, amphibious light infantry and also one of the five fighting arms of the Royal Navy. The Corps of Royal Marine ...
, who have that as a motto), and, up until 1843, there was also the Marines' Hymn motto "
To the Shores of Tripoli
''To the Shores of Tripoli'' is a 1942 American Technicolor film directed by H. Bruce Humberstone and starring John Payne, Maureen O'Hara and Randolph Scott. The film was produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. Its cinematography was nominated for an Aca ...
". "Semper fidelis" signifies the dedication and loyalty that individual Marines have for 'Corps and Country', even after leaving service. Marines frequently shorten the motto to "Semper Fi" .
* "Semper Fidelis" is also the title of
the official march of the United States Marine Corps, composed by
John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa ( ; November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. He is known as "The March King" or the "American March King", to dist ...
in 1889. Sousa was director of the
United States Marine Band
The United States Marine Band is the premier band of the United States Marine Corps. Established by act of Congress on July 11, 1798, it is the oldest of the United States military bands and the oldest professional musical organization in the ...
''(The President's Own)'' when a replacement for ''
Hail to the Chief
"Hail to the Chief" is the personal anthem of the president of the United States, adapted by James Sanderson from an original Scottish Gaelic melody.
The song's playing accompanies the appearance of the president of the United States at many ...
'' was requested, but later rejected. Sousa considered it to be his 'most musical' march. It was prominently featured in the film ''
A Few Good Men
''A Few Good Men'' is a 1992 American legal drama film based on Aaron Sorkin's 1989 play. It was written by Sorkin, directed by Rob Reiner, and produced by Reiner, David Brown and Andrew Scheinman. It stars an ensemble cast including Tom Cru ...
.'' Charles Burr wrote the
lyrics to the march.
* On the United States Marine Corps Seal, the symbols of the
Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (commonly referred to as an EGA) is the official emblem and insignia of the United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land f ...
emblem holds a ribbon emblazoned "Semper Fidelis".
Canadian Forces Base Valcartier (since 1914)
"Semper fidelis" is the motto of
CFB Valcartier
Canadian Forces Base Valcartier (CFB Valcartier), now re-designated 2 Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier (2 CDSB Valcartier), is a Canadian Forces base located in the municipality of Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, north northwest of Quebe ...
. The base was originally erected as a military camp in August 1914.
Swiss Grenadiers (since 1943)
The
Swiss Grenadiers
The Special Forces Command (German: Kommando Spezialkräfte) is an infantry corps of the Swiss Armed Forces specialised in rapid offensive operations, intel gathering and operations in urban areas, open fields and other difficult terrains, capa ...
, first designated as such in 1943, and since 2004 forming a distinct Command in the
Swiss Armed Forces
The Swiss Armed Forces (german: Schweizer Armee, french: Armée suisse, it, Esercito svizzero, rm, Armada svizra; ) operates on land and in the air, serving as the primary armed forces of Switzerland. Under the country's militia system, re ...
, use the motto "Semper fidelis".
Republic of China Marine Corps (similar non-Latin version) (since 1947)
A Chinese-language version of ''Semper fidelis'' has been the motto of the
Republic of China Marine Corps
The Republic of China Marine Corps (ROCMC; ), also known colloquially as the Taiwan Marine Corps, is the amphibious arm of the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) responsible for amphibious combat, counter-landing and reinforcement of the areas under th ...
since 1 April 1947. The motto is not in Latin and literally means "loyalty forever". Their motto is specifically modelled on the United States Marine Corps motto.
Romanian Protection and Guard Service (since 1990)
"Semper Fidelis" is the motto of the
Protection and Guard Service
Protection and Guard Service ( ro, Serviciul de Protecţie şi Pază, abbreviated SPP) is the Romanian institution designated to protect and defend dignitaries, as well as their family or close relatives. The institution operates independently, al ...
, a Romanian
secret service
A secret service is a government agency, intelligence agency, or the activities of a government agency, concerned with the gathering of intelligence data. The tasks and powers of a secret service can vary greatly from one country to another. For ...
concerned with the national security and personal security of officials in Romania.
Hungarian Government Guard (since 1998)
"Semper Fidelis" has been the official motto of the
Hungarian Government Guard since 28 August 1998.
Ukrainian Marine Corps (similar non-Latin version) (From 2007)
A Ukrainian version of Semper-Fidelis, "Вірний завжди", or "Always Faithful", has been the motto of the
Ukrainian Marines for much of its post-Soviet history.
Schools
"Semper Fidelis" serves as the motto of a number of schools around the world:
*
Allentown Central Catholic High School
Allentown Central Catholic High School (ACCHS) is a private, parochial school located at 301 North Fourth Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, ACCHS predominantly serves students from the Lehigh Va ...
in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
* Bloemhof Girls High in
, South Africa
* Buffalo Seminary, Buffalo, New York
*
Cathedral Grammar School
("Always Faithful")
, established = 1881
, head = Scott Thelning
, chaplain = Teresa Kundycki-Carrell
, head_label = Headmaster
, address = 2 Chester Street West, ...
, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
* Chetwood Memorial Primary School,
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is the capital of the Parishes of Jamaica, parish of Saint James Parish, Jamaica, St. James in Jamaica. The city is the fourth-largest urban area in the country by population, after Kingston, Jamaica, Kingston, Spanish Town, and Por ...
, St James, Jamaica
* College of Immaculate Conception, Uwani, Enugu, Nigeria
*
Emma Willard School
The Emma Willard School, originally called Troy Female Seminary and often referred to simply as Emma, is an independent university-preparatory day and boarding school for young women, located in Troy, New York, on Mount Ida, offering grades 9–1 ...
, in Troy, New York, United States of America
*
Gordon's School
Gordon's School is a secondary school with academy status in West End near Woking, Surrey, England. It was founded as the Gordon Boys' Home in 1885. It is now one of the 36 state boarding schools in England. It converted to an academy on 1 Ja ...
, a secondary school in West End, Surrey, England since 1885
*
Hagley Roman Catholic High School
Hagley Catholic High School is a coeducational school for ages 11–18 situated in the village of Hagley, Worcestershire, England. Currently a member of the Catholic Emmaus trust of schools, it was founded by the Catholic community in Worcester ...
, an 11-18 school in Hagley, Worcestershire, England
* Immaculate Conception College in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, since 1944
*
Kapiti College
Kāpiti College is situated at Raumati Beach on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, 45 minutes drive from Wellington City. It was called Raumati District High School when built in 1954, then renamed Kapiti College in 1957. The Kapiti College mott ...
, in Raumati, New Zealand
*
Killarney Secondary School
Killarney Secondary School is a public secondary school in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest public secondary school in the city by area. The school and the neighbourhood it is located in is named after Killarney, Ireland. ...
, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
*
Meriden School
, motto_translation = Always faithful
, established =
, type = Independent single-sex early learning, primary, and secondary day school
, gender = Girls
, denomination = Anglicanism
, educational_authority = New South Wales De ...
in Strathfield, of Sydney, Australia
* Monrad Intermediate School, in
Palmerston North
Palmerston North (; mi, Te Papa-i-Oea, known colloquially as Palmy) is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Located in the eastern Manawatu Plains, the city is near the north bank of the ...
, New Zealand
*
Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School
Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School is a coeducational Roman Catholic secondary school located in Accrington, a town located in the county of Lancashire, England.
A Roman Catholic school - “A family of faith and learning”. It is a volun ...
, Accrington, Lancashire, England
*
Sacred Heart College, Kyneton of Victoria, Australia
*
St. Anne's Catholic School, an 11–18 girls school in Southampton, England
* St. Bede's Catholic School, a Primary school in
Weaverham
Weaverham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire in England. Just off the A49, it is just to the west of Northwich and south of the River Weaver, and has a population of ...
, Cheshire, England
*
St. Joseph's College, Bandarawela
St. Joseph's College is a National school (Sri Lanka), national school located in Bandarawela, Uva (Sri Lanka), Uva, Sri Lanka. It is also known as Bandarawela St. Joseph's National School. Established in 1909, the school provides primary educat ...
, Uva province, Sri Lanka, since 1909
*
St Mary's Catholic Academy
St Mary's Catholic Academy (formerly St Mary's Catholic College) is a school in Layton, Blackpool, Lancashire. The school was involved with the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme and, despite the scheme being cancelled, it was announc ...
in Blackpool, England
* University College of
Appingedam
Appingedam (; gos, n Daam) is a city and former municipality in the northeastern Netherlands. Although there is no certainty as to the exact age of Appingedam, historical research demonstrates that the place in which the city would eventually b ...
, Groningen, The Netherlands
*
Vancouver College
Vancouver College (abbreviated informally to VC) is an independent university-preparatory Catholic school for boys located in the Shaughnessy, Vancouver, Shaughnessy neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1922, it is the ...
, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
*
Wynnum State High School
Wynnum State High School is a public high school in Wynnum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
The current principal is Catherine Pfingst, and the Deputy Principals are Elizabeth Williams, Kim Hutchinson, Marina Williams and Lisa Hawkin.
Facilitie ...
, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Variants
B. Burke (1884) and Chassant & Tausin (1878), and other sources, list a number of similar mottos that appeared in family or city coats of arms in Great Britain, Ireland and France, though none was ever as popular as "Semper fidelis". They include:
* ''Semper constans et fidelis'' ("Always constant and faithful"; Irton,
Lynch
Lynch may refer to:
Places Australia
* Lynch Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica
* Lynch Point, Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica
* Lynch's Crater, Queensland, Australia
England
* River Lynch, Hertfordshire
* The Lynch, an island in the River ...
, Mellor and Spoor families)
* ''Semper fidelis esto'' ("Be always faithful"; Steele family, Henry de Lolière family Auvergne Nobili Tome III)
* ''Semper et ubique fidelis'' ("Always and everywhere faithful"; De Burgh family, presently used by
Gonzaga College
Gonzaga College SJ is a voluntary Catholic boys' secondary school in Ranelagh, Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1950, Gonzaga College is under the trusteeship of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order), one of five Jesuit secondary schools in Irela ...
, Dublin)
* ''Semper fidelis et audax'' ("Always faithful and brave"; Moore and O'More families)
* ''Semper fidelis, mutare sperno'' ("Always faithful, I scorn to change"; City of
Worcester
Worcester may refer to:
Places United Kingdom
* Worcester, England, a city and the county town of Worcestershire in England
** Worcester (UK Parliament constituency), an area represented by a Member of Parliament
* Worcester Park, London, Englan ...
)
* ''Semper Fidus'' ("Always faithful")
* ''Semper Roy'' ("Always Roy") – presently used by the Delhi Expat Cricket Team (The Viceroys)
See also
* ''
Honneur et Fidélité
''Honneur et Fidélité'' ("Honour and Fidelity") is the motto of the Foreign Legion in the French Armed Forces. It has been inscribed on Legion flags instead of the ''Honneur et Patrie'' (Honour and Fatherland) inscribed on flags of the regular ...
''
* ''
Meine Ehre heißt Treue
''Meine Ehre heißt Treue'' (; "My honor is called loyalty") was the motto of the ''Schutzstaffel'' (SS) under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Nazi Germany.
Origin
In a National Socialist context, the phrase ''Meine Ehre heißt Treue'' refers ...
''
References
Sources
* Grey, T. (2005). ''The Chronicle of Exeter''. Exeter: The Mint Press.
* Lethbridge, Tony (2005). ''Exeter: a history and guide'' (
Stroud, Gloucestershire
Stroud is a market town and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England. It is the main town in Stroud District. The town's population was 13,500 in 2021.
Below the western escarpment of the Cotswold Hills, at the meeting point of the Five Va ...
: Tempus Publishing),
External links
Hardiman's history of the town of GalwayExeter City Council sitegiving supposed origin of Exeter's use of the motto.
from White's Devonshire Directory of 1850
Dutch Cadetscorps
{{DEFAULTSORT:Semper Fidelis
14th-century neologisms
Latin mottos
Exeter
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
National symbols of Poland
United States Marine Corps lore and symbols
History of Lviv
Military mottos
Abbeville