Semper Paratus (march)

"Semper Paratus" (Latin for "Always Ready") is the official song and march of the United States Coast Guard.

The precise origin of the phrase is obscure, although the U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office notes the first use was by the New Orleans Bee newspaper in 1836, in reference to the actions of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service during the Ingham incident.

[2] The original lyrics (seen below) were written by Captain Francis Saltus Van Boskerck in 1922, at the cabin of USCGC Yamacraw in Savannah, Georgia; he wrote the music in 1927, on a "beat-up old piano" in Unalaska, Alaska.

[2][3][4] During the run of A Girl in Every Port (1928 film) at the Fox Theater in Washington D.C., a detachment of 50 Coast Guard officers appeared at the theater for the debut of "Semper Paratus", the official song of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The current verse, as well as a second chorus, were written by Homer Smith, 3rd Naval District Coast Guard quartet; Chief Cole; and Lieutenant Walton Butterfield in 1943.

"Semper Paratus" being performed in 1944 by the Boston Pops .

"Semper Paratus" being performed in the 1940s, during World War II .

"Semper Paratus" being played by the U.S. Navy Band in the 1990s.

"Semper Paratus" being played by the USCG Band at the 2009 U.S. presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.

"Semper Paratus" being played by the USCG Band at a May 2010 parade in Torrance, California.