<P> "Semper fidelis" is the motto of The West Nova Scotia Regiment (of the Canadian Forces), formed in 1936 . It inherited the motto from The Lunenburg Regiment, formed in 1870 . </P> <P> The United States Marine Corps adopted the motto "Semper Fidelis" in 1883, on the initiative of Colonel Charles McCawley (29 January 1827--13 October 1891), the 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps . </P> <P> There were three mottos prior to Semper Fidelis including Fortitudine (meaning "with courage") antedating the War of 1812, Per Mare, Per Terram ("by sea, by land"; presumably inherited from the British Royal Marines, who have that as a motto), and, up until 1843, there was also the Marines' Hymn motto "To the Shores of Tripoli". "Semper fidelis" signifies the dedication and loyalty that individual Marines have for' Corps and Country', even after leaving service . Marines frequently shorten the motto to "Semper Fi" / ˌsɛmpər ˈfaɪ / . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Semper Fidelis March John Philip Sousa's Semper Fidelis March, performed by the US Marine Band in June 1909 . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Problems playing this file? See media help . </Td> </Tr> </Table>

What was the marine corps motto before semper fidelis