Semper fidelis
Encyclopedia
Semper Fidelis is Latin
for "Always Faithful" or "Always Loyal". Well known in the United States
as the motto
of the United States Marine Corps
(and often shortened to Semper Fi in Marine contexts), Semper Fidelis has served as a slogan for many families and entities, in many countries, dated to have been started no later than the 16th century. Within the groups below, users are listed in chronological order according to when they are believed to have adopted the motto; however, in many cases dates of adoption are not well established.
Some of the more notable families from Burke's list are:
in France is recorded by 19th century sources (e.g. Chassant & Taussin, 1878) as using the motto "Semper fidelis", and recent sources (e.g. Heralogic) state that the city was accorded this motto by Charles V
, by letters patent
of 19 June 1369, issued at Vincennes
. 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, some time in the 14th to 17th centuries.
The City of Exeter
, in Devon
, England
, has used the motto since at least 1660, when it appears in a manuscript of the local chronicler, Richard Izacke. Izacke claimed that the motto
was adopted in 1588, to signify the city's loyalty to the English Crown
. According to Izacke, it was Queen Elizabeth I
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
. John Hooker
'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
.
Various bodies associated with the city of Exeter also use the motto:
(in Latin
, "Leopolis
"; formerly Lwów in Polish
) in 1658 by Pope
Alexander VII in recognition of the city's key role in defending Europe
from Muslim
invasion
. That same year, the Sejm
(parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
passed the Semper fidelis Poloniae ["Ever Faithful to Poland"] Act (as most people construed the Latin phrase).
Both Leopolis and Exeter, in addition to sharing the same motto, featured a three-turreted castle on their coats-of-arms. This is apparently a coincidence.
Today, in Poland
, the motto is referenced mainly in connection with the Polish-Ukrainian War
of 1919, following the collapse of Austro-Hungary in the wake of World War I
, and more especially in connection with the Polish-Bolshevik War that followed.
In Ukraine, the phrase is much less used, in reference to the survival of the Ukrainian Church
through the period of Soviet
persecution.
, 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.
, Balagna area in Corsica
for 500 years.
, in New York
, United States
.
reported its use in its 7 January 1860 issue. The motto was continued by The Devonshire Regiment
of the British Army
, the 11th of foot, on its formation from the South and North Devon militias in 1881. The motto was further continued on the badges of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
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 in 2007.
Semper fidelis is the motto of The West Nova Scotia Regiment
(of the Canadian Forces
), formed in 1936. It inherited the motto from The Lunenburg Regiment, formed in 1870.
Semper fidelis is also the motto of the 11th Infantry Regiment
, which was founded in May 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln
. 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 II
, and the Vietnam war
. Today it trains young Army officers at Fort Benning, Georgia.
The United States Marine Corps
adopted the motto Semper Fidelis in 1883, on the initiative of Colonel Charles McCawley
(January 29, 1827 – October 13, 1891), the 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps
.
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
, whose motto it already was), and, up until 1843, there was also the motto "To the Shores of Tripoli
". "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" ˌ.
. The base was originally erected as a military camp in August 1914.
, first designated as such in 1943, and since 2004 forming a distinct Command in the Swiss Army, use the motto Semper fidelis.
since April 1, 1947.
n Protection and Guard Service, romanian secret service which is concerned with the national security and personal security of officials in Romania.
, in West End, Surrey, England.
Kapiti College, in Raumati, New Zealand, also has the motto "Semper Fidelis", as does Sacred Heart College, Kyneton of Victoria, Australia.
Bloemhof Girls High, Stellenbosch, South-Africa
http://www.kapiticollege.school.nz/
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
for "Always Faithful" or "Always Loyal". Well known in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
as the motto
Motto
A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
of the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
(and often shortened to Semper Fi in Marine contexts), Semper Fidelis has served as a slogan for many families and entities, in many countries, dated to have been started no later than the 16th century. Within the groups below, users are listed in chronological order according to when they are believed to have adopted the motto; however, in many cases dates of adoption are not well established.
Families and individuals
The motto was widely used in medieval Europe, at least in Great Britain, Ireland and France and probably in other countries as well.- B. Burke (1884, p. 1180) lists the following families as using the motto Semper fidelis in Great Britain and Ireland in their coats of armsCoat of armsA coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
: Booker, Barbeson, Bonner, Broadmead, Carney, Chesterman, Dick, Dickins, Duffield, Edge, Formby, Frisby, Garrett, Haslett, Hill, Houlton, Kearney, Lynch, Lund, Marriott, Nicholls, Onslow, Pollexfen, Smith, Steele, Steuart, Stirling and Wilcoxon. A disproportionate number of these families were Scottish or Irish. A more recent adoption is by Senator Joe DoyleJoe DoyleJoe Doyle was an Irish Fine Gael politician. He was a long-standing public representative for the Dublin South East constituency...
, in arms granted by the Chief Herald of Ireland during the year of 1999. - 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 Reymons, and De Rozerou of Mos.
Some of the more notable families from Burke's list are:
- LynchLynch (surname)Lynch is a surname of Irish origin.-Gaelic-Irish families:In Gaelic, its original forms included* Ó Loingsigh – now Lynch, Lynchy Lynskey, Lindsey.* Mac Loingsigh – Clynch, Lynch, Mac Glinchy, MacClintock, McClinton...
family (Ireland): Semper Fidelis is the family motto of the Lynch Family. The Lynches were one of the Tribes of GalwayTribes of GalwayThe Tribes of Galway were fourteen 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 of Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'Arcy, Deane, Font, Ffrench, Joyce, Kirwan,...
who were fourteen merchant families who dominated the political, commercial, and social life of the city of GalwayGalwayGalway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
in western IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
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 NormanNormansThe Normans were the people who gave their name to Normandy, a region in northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock...
knights who settled in Ireland following the grant of Ireland as a fiefdom by Pope Adrian IVPope Adrian IVPope Adrian IV , born Nicholas Breakspear or Breakspeare, was Pope from 1154 to 1159.Adrian IV is the only Englishman who has occupied the papal chair...
to King Henry II of EnglandHenry II of EnglandHenry II ruled as King of England , Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Count of Nantes, Lord of Ireland and, at various times, controlled parts of Wales, Scotland and western France. Henry, the great-grandson of William the Conqueror, was the...
in the early 12th century. Semper Fidelis appears on the Lynch Family coat of arms. Although the earliest traceable reference to its doing so is James HardimanJames HardimanJames Hardiman , also known as Séamus Ó hArgadáin, was a librarian at Queen's College, Galway. The university library now bears his name...
'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 FrithJohn FrithJohn Frith was an English Protestant priest, writer, and martyr.Frith was an important contributor to the Christian debate on persecution and toleration in favour of the principle of religious toleration...
, protestant martyr, thought to have been using 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 BoyneBattle of the BoyneThe Battle of the Boyne was fought in 1690 between two rival claimants of the English, Scottish and Irish thronesthe Catholic King James and the Protestant King William across the River Boyne near Drogheda on the east coast of Ireland...
. - Edge family (England): The Edge family of Strelley, NottinghamshireNottinghamshireNottinghamshire is a county in the East Midlands of England, bordering South Yorkshire to the north-west, Lincolnshire to the east, Leicestershire to the south, and Derbyshire to the west...
, were using the motto "Semper fidelis" by, at the latest, 1814 (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. - Onslow family (England): the family of the Earls of OnslowEarl of OnslowEarl of Onslow, of Onslow in the County of Shropshire, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1801 for George Onslow, 4th Baron Onslow. The Onslow family descends from Arthur Onslow, who represented Bramber, Sussex and Guildford in the House of Commons...
uses the motto Semper fidelis (see also Lodge, 1832), though their alternative motto (the punning Festina lenteFestina lenteFestina lente or σπεῦδε βραδέως is a classical adage and oxymoron meaning "make haste slowly" or "more haste, less speed"...
) is better known. - Stewart family (Scotland; also spelled Steuart especially in older sources): "Semper Fidelis" is the family motto of the Stewart family of BallechinBallechinBallechin is an estate in Logierait parish, Perthshire, Scotland located 3 miles west north-west of Ballinluig junction. The main residence on the estate is Ballechin House. Ballechin distillery operated between 1810 and 1927 and was one of seven original farm distilleries operating in Perthshire....
in Perthshire. J. Burke (1836, pp. 149–150) records that the family goes back to an illegitimate son of James II of Scotland (1430–1460), and the motto is recorded by Burke and by Robson (1830). However they do not report the date of its first use.
Abbeville
The city of AbbevilleAbbeville
Abbeville is a commune in the Somme department in Picardie in northern France.-Location:Abbeville is located on the Somme River, from its modern mouth in the English Channel, and northwest of Amiens...
in France is recorded by 19th century sources (e.g. Chassant & Taussin, 1878) as using the motto "Semper fidelis", and recent sources (e.g. Heralogic) state that the city was accorded this motto by Charles V
Charles V of France
Charles V , called the Wise, was King of France from 1364 to his death in 1380 and a member of the House of Valois...
, by letters patent
Letters patent
Letters patent are a type of legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch or president, generally granting an office, right, monopoly, title, or status to a person or corporation...
of 19 June 1369, issued at Vincennes
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 one of the most densely populated municipalities in Europe.-History:...
. 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, some time in the 14th to 17th centuries.
Exeter
Exeter
Exeter is a historic city in Devon, England. It lies within the ceremonial county of Devon, of which it is the county town as well as the home of Devon County Council. Currently the administrative area has the status of a non-metropolitan district, and is therefore under the administration of the...
, in Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, has used the motto since at least 1660, when it appears in a manuscript of the local chronicler, Richard Izacke. Izacke claimed that the motto
Motto
A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
was adopted in 1588, to signify the city's loyalty to the English Crown
The Crown
The Crown is a corporation sole that in the Commonwealth realms and any provincial or state sub-divisions thereof represents the legal embodiment of governance, whether executive, legislative, or judicial...
. According to Izacke, it was Queen Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...
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
Spanish Armada
This article refers to the Battle of Gravelines, for the modern navy of Spain, see Spanish NavyThe Spanish Armada was the Spanish fleet that sailed against England under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, with the intention of overthrowing Elizabeth I of England to stop English...
. John Hooker
John Hooker
John Hooker may refer to:*John Hooker English writer, solicitor, antiquary, civic administrator and advocate of republican government*John Lee Hooker, , American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist...
'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
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
.
Various bodies associated with the city of Exeter also use the motto:
- The Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
HMS ExeterHMS ExeterFive ships of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Exeter after the city of Exeter in Devon. was a 70-gun third-rate launched in 1680. She was damaged in an explosion in 1691 and was hulked. She was broken up in 1717. was a 60-gun fourth-rate launched in 1697. She was rebuilt to carry 58 guns in 1744...
, which is named after the City of Exeter. - Various Exeter-based units of the British Army, see below.
- There is a Masonic LodgeMasonic LodgeThis article is about the Masonic term for a membership group. For buildings named Masonic Lodge, see Masonic Lodge A Masonic Lodge, often termed a Private Lodge or Constituent Lodge, is the basic organisation of Freemasonry...
in Exeter, called "Lodge Semper Fidelis."
Lviv
The motto "Semper fidelis" is applied to the city of LvivLviv
Lviv is a city in western Ukraine. The city is regarded as one of the main cultural centres of today's Ukraine and historically has also been a major Polish and Jewish cultural center, as Poles and Jews were the two main ethnicities of the city until the outbreak of World War II and the following...
(in Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
, "Leopolis
Leópolis
Leópolis is a town and municipality in the state of Paraná in the Southern Region of Brazil.-References:...
"; formerly Lwów in Polish
Polish language
Polish is a language of the Lechitic subgroup of West Slavic languages, used throughout Poland and by Polish minorities in other countries...
) in 1658 by Pope
Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
Alexander VII in recognition of the city's key role in defending Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
from Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
invasion
Invasion
An invasion is a military offensive consisting of all, or large parts of the armed forces of one geopolitical entity aggressively entering territory controlled by another such entity, generally with the objective of either conquering, liberating or re-establishing control or authority over a...
. That same year, the Sejm
Sejm
The Sejm is the lower house of the Polish parliament. The Sejm is made up of 460 deputies, or Poseł in Polish . It is elected by universal ballot and is presided over by a speaker called the Marshal of the Sejm ....
(parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
passed the Semper fidelis Poloniae ["Ever Faithful to Poland"] Act (as most people construed the Latin phrase).
Both Leopolis and Exeter, in addition to sharing the same motto, featured a three-turreted castle on their coats-of-arms. This is apparently a coincidence.
Today, in Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, the motto is referenced mainly in connection with the Polish-Ukrainian War
Polish-Ukrainian War
The Polish–Ukrainian War of 1918 and 1919 was a conflict between the forces of the Second Polish Republic and West Ukrainian People's Republic for the control over Eastern Galicia after the dissolution of Austria-Hungary.-Background:...
of 1919, following the collapse of Austro-Hungary in the wake of World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, and more especially in connection with the Polish-Bolshevik War that followed.
In Ukraine, the phrase is much less used, in reference to the survival of the Ukrainian Church
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church , Ukrainska Hreko-Katolytska Tserkva), is the largest Eastern Rite Catholic sui juris particular church in full communion with the Holy See, and is directly subject to the Pope...
through the period of Soviet
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
persecution.
St. Malo
"Semper fidelis" is the motto of the town of St. Malo, in BrittanyBrittany
Brittany is a cultural and administrative region in the north-west of France. Previously a kingdom and then a duchy, Brittany was united to the Kingdom of France in 1532 as a province. Brittany has also been referred to as Less, Lesser or Little Britain...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan 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" is the motto of the city of CalviCalvi
Calvi is a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica.It is the seat of the Canton of Calvi, which contains Calvi and one other commune, Lumio...
, Balagna area in Corsica
Corsica
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
for 500 years.
White Plains
"Semper Fidelis" is the motto of the city of White PlainsWhite Plains, New York
White Plains is a city and the county seat of Westchester County, New York, United States. It is located in south-central Westchester, about east of the Hudson River and northwest of Long Island Sound...
, in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
The Devonshire Regiment and antecedents
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 NewsIllustrated London News
The Illustrated London News was the world's first illustrated weekly newspaper; the first issue appeared on Saturday 14 May 1842. It was published weekly until 1971 and then increasingly less frequently until publication ceased in 2003.-History:...
reported its use in its 7 January 1860 issue. The motto was continued by The Devonshire Regiment
The Devonshire Regiment
The Devonshire Regiment was an infantry regiment of the British Army which served under various titles from 1685 to 1958. Its lineage is continued today by The Rifles.-Origin and titles:...
of the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
, the 11th of foot, on its formation from the South and North Devon militias in 1881. The motto was further continued on the badges of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, usually just known as the Devon and Dorsets, was an infantry regiment of the British Army. It was formed in 1958 by the amalgamation of two county regiments:*The Devonshire Regiment*The Dorset Regiment...
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 in 2007.
The West Nova Scotia Regiment
The West Nova Scotia Regiment
The West Nova Scotia Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces, twenty fourth in the order of precedence. It has seen active service in both the Great War and World War II...
(of the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
), formed in 1936. It inherited the motto from The Lunenburg Regiment, formed in 1870.
Cadetcorps of the Dutch Royal Military Academy
Semper fidelis is the motto of the cadets corps from the Dutch Royal Military Academy. The corps was founded in 1898.11th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army
11th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 11th Infantry Regiment is a regiment in the United States Army.-The First 11th Infantry:Under the authority granted the President by the Act of July 16, 1798, to raise twelve additional regiments of infantry, the first 11th Infantry came into existence in the Army of the United States in...
, which was founded in May 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
. 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
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and the Vietnam war
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. Today it trains young Army officers at Fort Benning, Georgia.
The United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
adopted the motto Semper Fidelis in 1883, on the initiative of Colonel Charles McCawley
Charles McCawley
Charles Grymes McCawley 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:...
(January 29, 1827 – October 13, 1891), the 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
.
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
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
, whose motto it already was), and, up until 1843, there was also the motto "To the Shores of Tripoli
Marines' Hymn
The "Marines' Hymn" is the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps. It is the oldest official song in the United States military. The "Marines' Hymn" is typically sung at the position of attention as a gesture of respect...
". "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" ˌ.
- "Semper Fidelis" is also the title of the official marchSemper Fidelis (march)"Semper Fidelis", which was written in 1888 by John Philip Sousa, is regarded as the official march of the United States Marine Corps. This piece was one of two composed in response to a request from United States President Chester Arthur for a new piece to be associated with the United States...
of the United States Marine Corps, composed by John Philip SousaJohn Philip SousaJohn Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known particularly for American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as "The March King" or the "American March King" due to his British counterpart Kenneth J....
in 1889. Sousa was director of the United States Marine BandUnited States Marine BandThe 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 United States...
("The PresidentPresident of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
's Own") when a replacement for Hail to the ChiefHail to the Chief"Hail to the Chief" is a march primarily associated with the President of the United States. Its playing accompanies the appearance of the President at many public appearances. For major official occasions, the United States Marine Band and other military ensembles generally are the performers, so...
was requested, but later rejected. Sousa considered it to be his "most musical" march. It was prominently featured in the movie A Few Good MenA Few Good Men (film)A Few Good Men is a 1992 drama film directed by Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. It was adapted for the screen by Aaron Sorkin from his play of the same name. A courtroom drama, the film revolves around the trial of two U.S...
. Charles Burr wrote the lyrics to the march. - On the United States Marine Corps Seal, the eagle of the Eagle, Globe, and AnchorEagle, Globe, and AnchorThe Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is the official emblem and insignia of the United States Marine Corps. The current emblem traces its roots in the designs and ornaments of the early Continental Marines as well as the British Royal Marines. The present emblem, adopted in 1966, differs from the emblem of...
emblem holds a ribbon emblazoned "Semper Fidelis".
Portuguese Marine Corps
Semper fidelis is the motto of Portuguese Marines (Fuzileiros).Canadian Forces Base Valcartier
Semper fidelis is the motto of CFB ValcartierCFB Valcartier
Canadian Forces Base Valcartier is a Canadian Forces Base located in the municipality of Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, approximately north of Quebec City...
. The base was originally erected as a military camp in August 1914.
Swiss Grenadiers
The Swiss GrenadiersSwiss Grenadiers
The Swiss Grenadiers are an infantry corps of the Swiss Army specialised in rapid offensive operations, intel gathering and operations in urban areas, open fields and other difficult terrains, capable of acting on short notice...
, first designated as such in 1943, and since 2004 forming a distinct Command in the Swiss Army, use the motto Semper fidelis.
The Republic of China Marine Corps
Semper Fidelis (Chinese: 永遠忠誠) has been the motto of the Republic of China Marine CorpsRepublic of China Marine Corps
Republic of China Marine CorpsPersonnel15,000 The Republic of China Marine Corps is the amphibious arm of the Republic of China Navy responsible for amphibious combat, counter-landing and reinforcement of the main island of Taiwan, remote islands, defense of ROCN facilities, and also functions as...
since April 1, 1947.
Hungarian Government Guard
Semper Fidelis is the official motto of the Hungarian Government Guard since 28 August 1998.Military Institute of Engineering, Brazilian Army
Semper Fidelis is the motto of the 1st company of the Brazilian Military Institute of Engineering.Protection and Guard Service
Semper Fidelis is the motto of the RomaniaRomania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
n Protection and Guard Service, romanian secret service which is concerned with the national security and personal security of officials in Romania.
Submarine Force, Chilean Navy
Semper Fidelis is the motto of the Submarine Force of the Chilean Navy.Schools
"Semper Fidelis" serves at the motto of British secondary school, Gordon's SchoolGordon's School
Gordon's School is a voluntary-aided comprehensive secondary school in Woking, Surrey. It was founded in 1886 by public subscription as a memorial to Gordon of Khartoum, and officer of the Corps of Royal Engineers, who was killed in 1885. The school website claims that the idea came from Queen...
, in West End, Surrey, England.
Kapiti College, in Raumati, New Zealand, also has the motto "Semper Fidelis", as does Sacred Heart College, Kyneton of Victoria, Australia.
Bloemhof Girls High, Stellenbosch, South-Africa
http://www.kapiticollege.school.nz/
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, LynchLynch (surname)Lynch is a surname of Irish origin.-Gaelic-Irish families:In Gaelic, its original forms included* Ó Loingsigh – now Lynch, Lynchy Lynskey, Lindsey.* Mac Loingsigh – Clynch, Lynch, Mac Glinchy, MacClintock, McClinton...
, Mellor and Spoor families) - Semper fidelis esto (I am (stay) always faithful; Steele family, Henry de Lolière family Auvergne Nobili Tome III)
- Semper et ubique fidelis (Always and everywhere faithful; De Burgh family)
- 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 WorcesterWorcesterThe City of Worcester, commonly known as Worcester, , is a city and county town of Worcestershire in the West Midlands of England. Worcester is situated some southwest of Birmingham and north of Gloucester, and has an approximate population of 94,000 people. The River Severn runs through the...
)
External links
- Hardiman's history of the town of Galway
- Exeter City Council site giving supposed origin of Exeter's use of the motto.
- History of Exeter from White's Devonshire Directory of 1850
- Dutch Cadetscorps