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Lyrics Homer Smith and Walton Butterfield, 1969 Music Francis Saltus Van Boskerck, 1927 Adopted 1928; 89 years ago (1928) | ||
"Semper Paratus" (Latin for "Always Ready") is a 1928 song and the official march of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), having been composed in 1927 by USCG officer Francis Saltus Van Boskerck.
Contents
Etymology
Semper Paratus is the title of the song and is also the U.S. Coast Guard's official motto. The precise origin of the phrase is obscure, although the U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office notes the first use was by the New Orleans Bee newspaper in 1836, in reference to the actions of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service during the Ingham incident.
Composition
The original lyrics (seen below) were written by Captain Francis Saltus Van Boskerck in 1922, at the cabin of USCGC Yamacraw in Savannah, Georgia; he wrote the music in 1927, on a "beat-up old piano" in Unalaska, Alaska. He died in November 1927.
Lyrical modifications
The current verse, as well as a second chorus, were written by Homer Smith, 3rd Naval District Coast Guard quartet, Chief Cole, Walton Butterfield in 1943. In 1969, the first line of each verse was changed.
Lyrics
Verse 1
From Aztec Shore to Arctic Zone,To Europe and Far East,The Flag is carried by our shipsIn times of war and peace;And never have we struck it yet,In spite of foemen's might,Who cheered our crews and cheered againFor showing how to fight.Chorus
We're always ready for the call,We place our trust in Thee.Through surf and storm and howling gale,High shall our purpose be,"Semper Paratus" is our guide,Our fame, our glory, too.To fight to save or fight and die!Aye! Coast Guard, we are for you.Verse 2
"Surveyor" and "Narcissus,"The "Eagle" and "Dispatch,"The "Hudson" and the "Tampa,"These names are hard to match;From Barrow's shores to Paraguay,Great Lakes or Ocean's wave,The Coast Guard fights through storms and windsTo punish or to save.Verse 3
Aye! We've been "Always Ready"To do, to fight, or die!Write glory to the shield we wearIn letters to the sky.To sink the foe or save the maimedOur mission and our pride.We'll carry on 'til Kingdom ComeIdeals for which we've died.