The Marines’ Hymn

In 1929 The Marines’ Hymn became the official hymn of the Corps. Thirteen years later in November 1942 the Commandant approved a change in the words of the first verse, fourth line. Because of the increasing use of aircraft in the Corps, the words were changed to “In the air, on land, and sea.” No other changes have been made since that time.

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 MARINES.

Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze,
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every 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.

Sir Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, became an ardent admirer of the U.S. Marine Corps. In the company of guests of state, he often demonstrated his respect for U.S. Marines by reciting, from memory, all three verses of The Marines’ Hymn.

We are just back from traveling to the Marine Graduation Ceremony at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island South Carolina. I realize this isn’t my typical Sunday Morning Hymn honoring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ but it fits into our life context this weekend. I’ll be posting more photos from our time in South Carolina soon and my usual Sunday Hymns will commence at 0400 next Sunday. Thank you for your understanding.

Ellen's avatar
About Ellenhttps://happywonderer.com/I am a wife, mother, baba (grandmother) and a loyal friend. Jesus is my King and my hope is in my future with Him.

8 thoughts on “The Marines’ Hymn”

  1. I’m sure you must have had a wonderful time – the stirring music and happy event…not to speak of the mother-daughter time! I look forward to reading more.

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  2. I always get a thrill inside whenever I hear the Marine Corps Hymn being played. It somehow makes me feel safe too, here on earth. May God bless and keep our Armed Forces safe where ever they serve, and keep all nations at PEACE!

    (PS: That is one handsome Devil Dog! Hoo RAH!)

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  4. Welcome back. I’ve always liked this song. It was one of the first ones I learned to play on my accordion growing up as a kid. 🙂 thanks for the info on this.

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  6. No apology needed, Ellen. I think the hymn you posted is most fitting considering the important event in your family! 🙂

    Love all the military songs!

    I am glad you are back safely. Believe it or not, I was just thinking of you moments before you posted on my blog.

    Have a restful evening!

    Blessings.

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I read all comments and appreciate them.