Semper Fi, Shipmates
Is it okay to say to a Marine: "Semper Fi"?
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7shooter
Member
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.
I'm sticking with " Go Sioux " !
BTW , There are no ex Sioux's either.
Never heard that version. Some claim it goes back to Civil War times, and stands for "Hurry Up And Wait".
I never thought too much about giving a "Semper Fi" to a former Marine. There's one I run into at local pawn shop occasionally. We've bantered back and forth about Army vs Marines (and mutually, about the Navy, of course). I've even tossed a "Semper Fifi" or two his way.
chaparrito
Member
I always thought of it as a greeting from Marine to Marine, so don't use it. I find other ways to acknowledge service. As has already been said, wouldn't want to look like you're trying to come off as something you're not.
I was active duty Army from 1968 until 1988 and "hooah" was not part of the lexicon, at least not in any Armor unit I was in.
On the other hand, I do recall exchanges of a unit motto, in lieu of a greeting, along with salutes among members of the same battalion or regiment, e.g. "Allons" between members of the 11th ACR. I have always considered the use of "Semper Fi" in much the same way, a form of etiquette reserved for members of the same outfit.
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the ringo kid
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Ya know, ive been thinking about you wondering where ya been-concerned worry wart here.
Oh and-Semper Fi Marine. thank God, for Devil Dogs. Its one of my pleasures of working at Home Depot-I meet a lot of former Marines-along with many other veterans.
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BLACKHAWKNJ
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No "hooah!" in my Army days 1967-1971. I consider "Semper Fi" for Marines only, it's their lodge greeting so to speak. I have picked up bits of Masonic usage but as a non-Mason I am not entitled to use it.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
...Its one of my pleasures of working at Home Depot-I meet a lot of former Marines-along with many other veterans.
I was under the impression (confirmed by a neighbor who will turn seventy-five the day I turn eighty, in a month) that there is no such thing as a "former Marine".
I've heard a lot of you guys say that once you are a Marine you are always one. And I'd say you're damn well entitled to the claim.
fat tom
Absent Comrade
Go Buckeyes! Go Buckeyes! Go Buckeyes!
NCAA champs #1[/QUOTE]
Uh,I think that's Clemson. Remember,I believe it was 31-0. I'll say that again,31-0.
f.t.
NCAA champs #1[/QUOTE]
Uh,I think that's Clemson. Remember,I believe it was 31-0. I'll say that again,31-0.
f.t.
the ringo kid
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I stand corrected sir. I had been told (thought not from first-hand experience) there were no ex-Marines-but to say-former-Marines-but Marines-will work for me...
jimbo728
Member
As a Navy Corpsman I respectfully disagree. 2 brothers USMC.
Me, USN. HM3... ended up with USMC for a while as Corpsman.
Jim
Agree. As Navy JO, my first operational squadron was with the Corp; my last unit assignment was with the 3rd MAW (3rd Marine AirWing). From General to Private, Semper Fi is a greeting, a farewell, a statement of friendship and understanding of what duty, honor and country mean to all of us who worn a uniform. That's all. Let's not get wrapped around the axle on this. Its thier motto, so we greet them with it; were not stealing Valor.
Doc, Fair winds and following seas Shipmate and ....... Semper Fi.
Mike G 0351
US Veteran
If someone says Semper Fi to me, The first thing I ask, Are you a Marine.
And Oooha is Army, OooooRah Is Marine....
And no I don't get offended if a civi tells me Semper Fi.
And Oooha is Army, OooooRah Is Marine....
And no I don't get offended if a civi tells me Semper Fi.
Personally, I've used the term, "Semper Fi" many times to greet Marines and friends and family who are Marines, not once has any of them taken offense or questioned my intent as being something other than a respectful gesture. No diffeent than someone saluting an active service member or a veteran - in uniform or out. Unless offered in a disrectful tone, I would hope that a Marine would take it as a compliment and true gesture of respect.
Semper Fi! ����
Semper Fi! ����
nachogrande
Member
WELL YOU CAN CALL ME RAY,
Or you can call me Jay, just don't call one Gomer. NEVER crush a DI's hat in the overhead storage of an airliner!
How do they keep them so perfect? 
Or you can call me Jay, just don't call one Gomer. NEVER crush a DI's hat in the overhead storage of an airliner!
How do they keep them so perfect? 
johnsonl
Member
I just say, "Rah" when I see a brother Marine. Respect and brotherhood.
Or you can call me Jay, just don't call one Gomer. NEVER crush a DI's hat in the overhead storage of an airliner!
They have special hard carriers for them.
nachogrande
Member
MY LEARNED TODAY TIDBIT.
I guess my devil dog won't be forgetting his hard carrier next time. Just glad I wasn't stuffed into the overhead carrier.
I guess my devil dog won't be forgetting his hard carrier next time. Just glad I wasn't stuffed into the overhead carrier.
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