VETERAN’S DAY: Quoting the United States Armed Forces
A Veterans Day Collection of Mottos, Creeds & Words of Service
by Wayfarer
The United States has six military branches. Each has its own traditions, identity and language of service. Some phrases are official branch mottos while others are core values, service creeds or widely recognized expressions shared by generations of servicemen and women. For a Veterans Day tribute on the “250th year of America”, these are listed together as a collection rather than attempting to present each phrase as an official motto.
1. United States Army
Official motto
THIS WE’LL DEFEND
Defense of the nation and its people.
Other recognized expressions:
- I Will Never Leave a Fallen Comrade. — Warrior ethos.
- Be All You Can Be. — Historic Army recruiting slogan.
- Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage. — Army values.
2. United States Marine Corps
Official motto
SEMPER FIDELIS
Latin: Always Faithful.
Other recognised expressions:
- Semper Fi! — The familiar shortened expression of the motto.
- The Few. The Proud. — Famous Marine Corps recruiting slogan.
- Honor. Courage. Commitment. — Marine Corps core values.
3. United States Navy
No single officially designated branch motto
NON SIBI SED PATRIAE
Latin: Not self, but country. An unofficially associated expression.
Other recognised expressions:
- Honor. Courage. Commitment. — Navy core values.
- Anchors Aweigh! — The Navy’s famous song, not its motto.
- Forged by the Sea. — A recognized Navy recruiting expression.
4. United States Air Force
Official motto
AIM HIGH … FLY-FIGHT-WIN
A call to aspire and a commitment to serve.
Other recognized expressions:
- Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence In All We Do. — Air Force core values.
- Fly, Fight, Win. — The action-oriented half of the motto.
5. United States Coast Guard
Official motto
SEMPER PARATUS
Latin: Always Ready.
Other recognised expressions:
- Honor. Respect. Devotion to Duty. — Coast Guard core values.
- Always Ready for the Call. — An expression associated with the Coast Guard’s official marching song.
6. United States Space Force
Official motto
SEMPER SUPRA
Latin: Always Above.
Other recognized expressions:
- Character. Connection. Commitment. Courage. — Space Force values.
- Guardians. — The name given to Space Force personnel.
- The High Frontier. — A phrase associated with the military domain of space.
A few additional expressions for a Veterans Day tribute
These are actually more suitable as a tribute to veterans, rather than being attributed to any one specific branch.
| Expression | Meaning or the sentiment |
| All Gave Some. Some Gave All. | A tribute to sacrifice and fallen service members. |
| No Man Left Behind. | Loyalty to comrades. |
| Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier. | The enduring identity of military service. |
| Leave No One Behind. | Solidarity and responsibility. |
| Service Before Self. | Commitment beyond personal interest. |
| Duty, Honor, Country. | A traditional military expression associated particularly with the U.S. Military Academy. |
| Freedom Is Not Free. | Recognition of the sacrifices behind liberty. |
| Welcome Home. | A particularly meaningful message to returning veterans. |
VETERANS DAY · NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Day should not only celebrate those who went to war or those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It should also recognize the veterans who came home, grew older, raised families, rebuilt their lives. They deserve the respect and support of their communities.
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With Reference:
the USO’s guide to the six military branch mottos and
the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School’s collection of military creeds and mottos .
