What is Semper Fi?

Marines seem to have this on bumper stickers here in southern cal. I seen one that said Semper Fields. Where and what is that and why is it so important?

Thank you
Chubbs

Sigh…

That’s Semper fidelis – Always Faithful. It’s the Motto of the US Marine Corps

“Semper Fidelis” is Latin for “Always Faithful” and is the slogan of the Southern California Association for the Revival of Latin (SCARL)… and perhaps a few other organizations.

Sorry about that. Now I know and knowing is half the battle.

Semper Fi, of course, should not be confused with the U.S. Coast Guard motto, “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready), which, in turn, should not be confused with the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared.”

(And none of them should be confused with the motto of my prep school’s cafeteria, Fidem Scit, (He knows the Faith).)

nor should it be confused with Semper Fiat - “Always a small Italian car”

i’m so sorry…

A geneological search I did a while back also revealed that this was the motto on my family’s coat of arms. What a bummer, even tho they might have had it first, now it looks like we’re unoriginal!

…and Semper Paratus shouldn’t be confused with our lesser known, albeit often more appropriate motto: “Simply Forgotten

…and then there’s “Semper Gumby”… always flexible

The brass band’s motto: Semper Fiddleless.