The document provides background information on the Marines' Hymn, the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps. It discusses that the hymn's author is unknown but was likely written in the 1840s during the Mexican-American War. The lyrics in the first stanza reference famous battles from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli that the Marines have fought in. The document also gives a brief history on where the melody came from, an aria from a French opera.

1. The Marines’ HymnSam HatfieldEnglish IVMrs. Robison

2. BackgroundOfficial hymn of the United States Marine CorpOldest official song in the United States militarySoldiers usually stand at the position of attention while it is played

3. HistoryAuthor is unknownTradition says it was written in the 1840’s by a Marine during the Mexican-American WarUsed phrases from the Marine flag noting famous battlesHalls of Montezuma - Capture of Mexico City and the Castle of Chapultepec in 1847Shores of Tripoli - War with the Barbary pirates in 1805Melody came later, from an aria in French opera called Genevieve de BrabantLyrics – First StanzaFrom the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean: We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine.

4. BibliographyMarine' Hymn. U.S. Marine Corp History Division. Web. 22 Apr. 2011. Marines.”, United States. "The Marines' Hymn." "The President's Own"United States Marine Band. Web. 23 Apr. 2011.