United States Marine Corps off-base, except in transit to and from their place of duty and in the event of an emergency. As in any military organization, the official and unofficial traditions of the Marine Corps serve to reinforce camaraderie and set the service apart from others. The Corps' embrace of its rich culture and history is cited as a reason for its high "esprit de corps". The "Marines' Hymn" dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest official song in the United States armed forces. The Marine motto "Semper Fidelis" means "Always Faithful" in Latin, often appearing as "Semper Fi"; also
Hymn of the Azores children, wearing blue skirts/pants, white shirts and yellow handkerchiefs, and directed by professor Eduarda Cunha Ataíde. The official anthem "A Portuguesa" is used in all governmental capacities, in sporting venues, and during other civic ceremonies. The "Hymn" does not have legal standing with the national anthem. Hymn of the Azores The Hymn of the Azores () is an unofficial regional anthem used during some ceremonies in the Portuguese autonomous region of the Azores. For official purposes the national anthem "A Portuguesa" is always used during government events, in sporting venues, and other civic ceremonies. The original song was composed by