Is it okay to say to a Marine: "Semper Fi"?

[bushmaster1313]

Memorial Day got me thinking.

Is it proper for a non-Marine use the term "Semper Fi" as a form of expressing gratitude and respect when communicating with a Marine?

Or should it only be used by Marines.

 

[hoc9sw]

In a respectful exchange between non-Marine and Marine, I think it is ok. I've never been kicked in the teeth. (My Nephew is Marine, the rest of us, since 1621, have been Army).

 

[Golphin]

If you feel like it may not be okay then don't. I would not as I would never want anyone to get the false idea that I was trying to come across as being a Marine when I am not. That' s just me and others think it is fine and is most likely I just want do it.

All that said it would be better than saying "go Buckeyes" any day of the week to anyone on planet earth.

 

[Ματθιας]

Why not? What could happen?

 

[Kanewpadle]

Just don't call them an EX Marine!!

 

[litenlarry]

I think it is pretty much a greeting between, former and active duty Marines..
I would not be offended if offered the greeting by non Marines..
Maybe a better greeting would be "Semper Fi, Marine"..Just add the Marine...
A greeting I like is " Hello, Devil Dog"...

 

[captorquewrench]

I don't know about in general, but I do know Jar Wrench doesn't care for it personally. She tolerates it and is gracious as she in her,meanness can allow. She knows,most people say it with respect and recognition intended. But she doesn't like anything, really, so probably is not a good point of reference.

I just say to her 'Sup, debil?

 

[pharman]

I'll say it!

All that said it would be better than saying "go Buckeyes" any day of the week to anyone on planet earth. [/QUOTE]

Go Buckeyes! Go Buckeyes! Go Buckeyes!

NCAA Champs...#1

Yah I'll say it one more time in case you didn't hear it: Go Buckeyes!

 

[m1gunner]

I have always considered it a greeting between Marines. As such, I am not qualified to use it. Similar to the stolen valor stuff of wearing medals you did not earn.

I have the UTMOST respect for Marines.

 

[NYlakesider]

Well my late cousin a 34 year Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant with 3 tours of Nam said it was ok to use if it was used respectably as a greeting by non Marines.

I will stand on what he said. I have used it many time appropriately and never had a problem.

 

[Rangerpat]

The U.S. Marine Corps adopted Semper Fidelis as it official motto in 1883. Translated from Latin, Semper Fidelis means "Always Faithful."

U.S. Marines use an abbreviated verbal version, "Semper Fi," to voice loyalty and commitment to their Marine brothers and sisters-in-arms.

It's a Marine thing, if you want to use it you can but as litenlarry said, add the word Marine at the end of it.

 

[willy]

NO.
Marines are a breed of their own.
And trying to fit in when you are not a Marine would be a form of stealing valor.
BTW-I was never a Marine,,, but I know some.

 

[the ringo kid]

I think it is pretty much a greeting between, former and active duty Marines..
I would not be offended if offered the greeting by non Marines..
Maybe a better greeting would be "Semper Fi, Marine"..Just add the Marine...
A greeting I like is " Hello, Devil Dog"...

Howdy, Teufel Hunden--Marine sir. I think that covers it?

 

[ChiefStealth]

IMHO, there are a few things that aren't proper to say/do if you ain't earned the right to. There are even a few "unofficial" things. Wearing a Stetson with cord, if ya ain't been Cav. Wearing a hogs's tooth, if ya ain't been a sniper. And, saying "Semper Fi", if ya ain't been a Marine. Maybe its just me. Kinda chaps my hide to see people wearing/doing military stuff when they ain't earned them.

 

[Ματθιας]

So, a non Marine saying the official motto of the USMC as a greeting/farewell to a Marine is "stealing valor"? Talk about political correctness. . .

 

[m1gunner]

So, a non Marine saying the official motto of the USMC as a greeting/farewell to a Marine is "stealing valor"? Talk about political correctness. . .

political correctness is not the same as showing respect.

If you aren't part of the community, you have not the right to carry the challenge coin, wear the insignia, or greet a member of that community as if you are one of them.

 

[Ματθιας]

political correctness is not the same as showing respect.

If you aren't part of the community, you have not the right to carry the challenge coin, wear the insignia, or greet a member of that community as if you are one of them.

Says, who?

All we're talking about is a verbal greeting/farewell, NOT presenting a challenge coin, and NOT wearing the insignia.

If/when a non Marine greets a Marine with "Semper Fi" in your presence, what are you going to do?

 

[S&WIowegan]

I think Semper Fi belongs to those who were/are in the Corps..period! I'm not one and I won't try to act like I'm in their club.

 

[litenlarry]

WOW !..Landing at LAX in 1970, returning from 'Nam, i would have welcomed the term Semper fi..Instead of the term "baby killers" from the protesting the war crowd..
That was a tough nut to swallow, but respecting the uniform we were wearing, we let the 'civies' slide..Out of uniform was another result..
Like i said earlier, say Semper fi Marine and offer a handshake..
We baby killers have a heart and appreciate any show of respect by others..

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

Colonel Cooper said "It is not political correctness, it IS personal censorship."