LE1-C5S4T5pg295-298 The Marines Hymn

Purpose

This lesson introduces you to the history and traditions that they Marines’ Hymn is based upon.

1. Explain the historical significance of the Marines’ Hymn.

2. Recite and sing the words of the Marines’ Hymn.

CPS Key Word Questions (1-4)

Hymn

Bandmaster

Lancer

Mounted Troops

_____ – a song of praise to somebody or something or to a god.

__________ - a conductor/leader of a musical band.

______ – historical soldier of a cavalry regiment armed with lances.

______________ - soldiers or Marines who are on horseback.

CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)

How much do you know about the Marines’ Hymn?

A.Expert – I know the history, and can sing all the words.B.Advanced – I can sing the words, but don’t know the history.C.Basic – I know most of the words.D.Novice – I have not hear the Marines’ Hymn before.

True or False: The “halls of Montezuma” are in Mexico.

A. TrueB. False

Write out 2-3 lines of the Marines’ Hymn that you know. Sing the melody if you can.

(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)

In 1805, a small force of Marines stormed the Barbary pirates’ stronghold at Derna on the “shores of Tripoli.”

During the Mexican War of 1947, Marines captured the Castle of Chapultepec, otherwise known as the “Halls of Montezuma.”

Around 1849, an unknown Marine combined the phrases to, “From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli.”

John Philip Souza (1852-1932) was appointed as leader of the Marine Corps band in 1880. He raised the level of performance to a higher standard.

Souza, and many music scholars, believed that the melody was taken from the opera “Genevieve de Brabant.”

From 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.

Click here to start audio

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze From dawn to setting sun; We have fought in every clime and place; Where we could take a gun;

In the snow of far-off Northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life; And never lost our nerve If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven’s scenes; They will find the streets are guarded; By United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life; And never lost our nerve If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven’s scenes; They will find the streets are guarded; By United States Marines.

CPS Lesson Question (3-4)

We fight our country’s fights; On the land as on the sea

List 2-3 things that you learned about the Marines’ Hymn that you did not already know.

(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)

Images in this lesson were taken from:

Microsoft© Clip Art Gallery Marine Corps Combat Camera

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