[Tarheel]

I just realized in the Marine Hymn there is a line 'to the shores of Tripoli'. I believe that reference is to the Tripoli in Libya. If I remember my history correctly, I think it had something to do with Marines being sent in to quell the Barbary pirates, is this correct? Maybe some former Marines out there in Freeper land know for sure.

However, there is a Tripoli in Lebanon and our Marines are pulling our citizens from the shores of Lebanon. If it is Tripoli our Marines w/b there or any place else in the world where they are called to serve.

May God bless and keep all of our fine men and women in the military.

[BIGLOOK]

You're correct. Decatur led Marines on raids against the Barbary pirates in Tunis and Tripoli.

[laurenmarlowe]

The History of The Marines' Hymn

Following the war with the Barbary Pirates in 1805, when Lieutenant P.N. O'Bannon and his small force of Marines participated in the capture of Derne and hoisted the American flag for the first time over a fortress of the Old World, the Colors of the Corps was inscribed with the words: "To the Shores of Tripoli." After the Marines had participated in the capture and occupation of Mexico City and the Castle of Chapultepec, otherwise known as the "Halls of Montezuma," the words on the Colors were changed to read: "From the Shores of Tripoli to the Halls of Montezuma."

"From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
On the land as on the 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.

"Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry 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."

The rest of the story!

[TASMANIANRED]

Not one dime for tribute....

[TASMANIANRED]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Barbary_War


Seem's like Tripoli was a little more than a city...but less than a Moroccan state...