For over two centuries on battlefields
In varied combat scenes
At the heart of the fight there would be found
The United States Marines.
They assaulted many a hostile beach
Where sand turned red with blood
And many an empty space would appear
Where comrades once had stood.
They fought their way through jungles, where
They saw more comrades fall.
Where other Marines who just like them
Had answered their country's call.
Over slopes of frozen mountain terrain
And in the desert sand,
Though often outnumbered, proud, gallant Marines
Would make a decisive stand.
They are now on call in the hostile arena
Of a barren and primitive land.
There's a harsh and evil wind that blows
At Marines in Afghanistan.
Combat ready, they're ever alert
To heed their country's call.
And all the world will know the Marines
Are prepared to give their all.
The training that's given to all in the Corps
Shapes more than a fighting machine.
Integrity, loyalty, honor and pride
Are engraved on the souls of marines.
Once a Marine, always a Marine
Is a statement that's often been heard.
It denotes deep feelings that never could be
Expressed by the use of mere words.
Semper Fi