<P> Semper fidelis is a Latin phrase that means "always faithful" or "always loyal". It is the motto of the United States Marine Corps usually shortened to Semper fi . It is also in use as a motto for towns, families, schools, and military units . </P> <P> The earliest definitively recorded use of semper fidelis is as the motto of the French town of Abbeville since 1369 . It has also been used by other towns, and is recorded as the motto of various European families since the 16th century, and possibly since the 13th century or earlier . Records show many families in England, France and Ireland using this motto . </P>

What does the marine slogan semper fi mean