The Marines' Hymn February 27 2012, 0 Comments

Contributed By: Jack Kopstein Marines' Hymn- the Official Song of the United States Marines 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. However, the third verse is also used as a toast during formal events, such as the birthday ball and other ceremonies. Some of the lyrics were popular phrases before the song was written. The line "To the shores of Tripoli" refers to the First Barbary War and specifically the Battle of Derne in 1805. After Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon and his Marines hoisted the American flag over the Old World for the first time, the phrase was added to the battle colors of the Corps. "The Halls of Montezuma" refers to the Battle of Chapultepec, during the Mexican-American War, where a force of Marines stormed Chapultepec Castle. While the lyrics are said to date from the 19th century, no pre-20th century text is known. The author of the lyrics is likewise unknown. Legend has it that it was penned by a Marine on duty in Mexico. The unknown author transposed the phrases in the motto on the Colors so that the first two lines of the Hymn would read: "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli", favoring euphony over chronology. The music is from the Gendarmes' Duet from an 1867 revision of the 1859 opera. The aria of the Marine Hymn is certainly to be found in the opera, 'Genevieve de Brabant.’  The melody is not in the exact form of the Marine Hymn, but is undoubtedly the aria from which it was taken.  It may, however, be a Spanish folk song. In discussing the Hymn, John Philip Sousa once wrote: “The melody of the 'Halls of Montezuma' is taken from Offenbach's comic opera, 'Genevieve de Brabant,' and is sung by two gendarmes.” The copyright was vested on 18 August 1919. In 1929, the Commandant of the Marine Corps authorized the three verses of the Marines' Hymn as the official version. This older version can be heard in the 1950 film Halls of Montezuma. On 21 November 1942, Commandant Thomas Holcomb approved a change in the words of the first verse's fourth line from "On the land as on the sea" to "In the air, on land, and sea" to reflect the addition of aviation to the Corp's arsenal. Marines' Hymn The Marines' Hymn (1942) 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 Marine. 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 The United States Marines. Bibliography: Marine Corps Lore. Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Department of the Navy. 1963. pp. 17. "Customs and Traditions: Marines' Hymn". History and Museum Division. United States Marine Corp The Hymn of the United States Marines may be heard on several albums including Music of Marines: United States, Royal, and Merchant