Originally Posted by
11Fan
On Friday evenings in the Summer, my Father and I attend a local concert in the park. In this case, it is the Long Beach (CA) Municipal Band. During the concert previous to July 4th (as was last evening's), the band plays the Anthem for each branch of Service; Coast Guard, Army (me), Navy, Air Force, and Marines. During each segment, current or former members of the specific branch are requested to stand and be recognized.
Brings a tear to the eye.
To all our Service Men and Women, past and present, I salute you.
God Bless America
You won't have to ask a Marine to stand during the playing of the Marines' Hymn; it is expected that all former and present Marines will stand at attention
From Wikipedia:
The "
Marines' Hymn" is the official
hymn of the
United States Marine Corps. It is the oldest official song in the
United States military.
[1] 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."
Enjoy the 4th servicemen/women; you deserve it!
To the others who are giving good wishes ---- thank you. We are all grateful for your appreciation and acknowledgment.
USMCFLYR