From Scott Dilcher - Sgt. USMC, 88-94
I read a letter by General Mattis [to the 1stMarDiv in March 2003] on your
website some time ago. One line he said has stuck with me since then, and I felt it was important to place that in the last verse. He said for the
Marines to "Demonstrate for the world there is no Better Friend, No Worse
Enemy than a U.S. Marine." I don't think there is a more simple explanation to the rest of the world of our Corps than that.
New Verses
At the start of the millennium
As Band of Brothers we attacked
In the sands of far off Afghanistan
And in cities of Iraq
For the honor of our country,
To protect her glorious scenes
No better friend or foe, they'll ever know
The United States Marines
S. Dilcher
Sgt. USMC, 88-94
The Traditional Marines' Hymn
The Marines' Hymn is a tribute to warriors and a reverent account of the proud battle history of the Corps. Its verses tell of the honor and glory Marines have earned in battles on every conceivable foreign shore, and leaves no doubt as to the singular mission and passion of the Marine Corps. In fact, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill so highly regarded the virtue and fighting prowess of the U.S. Marines that he often recited from memory all three verses for other heads of state.
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 unfurl'd 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 gaze on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
