Marine Corps Hymn

The Marine's 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 song has an obscure

origin—the words date from the

19th century, but no one knows

the author. The music is from the

Gendarmes' Duet from the opera

Geneviève de Brabant by Jacques

Offenbach, which debuted in Paris

in 1859. The Marine Corps secured

a copyright on the song on August

19, 1919, but it is now in the public

domain.

The initial verse is "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli." "Montezuma" refers to the Battle of Chapultepec, more commonly known as the battle which took place during the Mexican-American War; "Tripoli" refers to the First Barbary War and the Battle of Derne.

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 events important to the Corps such as the Marine Corps birthday, promotions, and retirements. Note the line "Here's health to you and to our Corps."

Official Lyrics

From the halls of Montezuma,

To the shores of Tripoli;

We will 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 the dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place