What does Semper Fidelis mean? Unveil the history behind American mottos

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Mottos play an important role in our lives. Nations, states, companies, and organizations of all kinds choose them and uphold them with utmost care: they encapsulate the beliefs, values, and ideas that guide them. Let's have a look at some of our favorite American mottos, their meanings, and the history behind them!

Image: Clay Banks

This We'll Defend has been the motto of the United States Army since the days of the Revolutionary War, when it was still the Continental Army. It manifests the unwavering will to defend and preserve the interests of the nation above everything else. Today, it can be seen on the official US Army flag and on the emblem of the Department of the Army.

Image: Joshua Hoehne

Latin | ā-ˌplu̇r-i-bu̇s-ˈü-nu̇m | Out of Many, One

While probably second to In God We Trust in popularity contests, E Pluribus Unum is still a major motto of the United States of America, appearing on the Great Seal. It perfectly encapsulates the sentiment behind the creation of the United States: many states coming together to form a strong and free Union. Out of many, one.

Image: Joel Rivera-Camacho

Latin | sem-pər-fə-ˈdā-ləs | Always Faithful/Loyal

Usually shortened to Semper Fi, this is the motto of choice for the United States Marine Corps and many other military and civilian organizations. It embodies the Marines' values of honor, courage, and commitment; as well as their unyielding loyalty towards each other and the people they serve.

Image: Isaiah Ransom

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting organizations in the world, with close to 3,000,000 active members. It's been part of the lives and youth memories of many American citizens. Be Prepared finds its roots in the 1908 book Scouting for Boys by the British Army Officer Robert Baden-Powell.

Image: Michael Jaqua

Latin | sem-pər-pə-ˈrä-təs | Always Ready

No one knows for certain how the words Semper Paratus came to be the motto of the United States Coast Guard, but it was Captain Francis Saltus Van Boskerck who immortalized them when he penned the 1928 march of the same name (now, naturally, the official march of the Coast Guard).

Image: thom masat

General John Stark, New Hampshire´s most famous American Revolution hero, wrote Live Free or Die: Death is not the worst of Evils as a toast after the war. His words reflect the ideals of liberty that flourished during both the French Revolution and the American War of Independence.

Live Free or Die is now the official state motto of New Hampshire, and can also be found on the state´s license plates.

Image: Blair Fraser

Latin | ad-ˈa-strə-ˌpər-ˈa-spə-rə | To the Stars through Adversity

Different variations of the phrase Ad Astra per Aspera have been frequently used by a large number of organizations. This is because it represents a noble sentiment: that all hardships will eventually pass, and that progress comes through enduring them.

Ad Astra per Aspera is now the state motto of Kansas.

Image: Tim Mossholder

Latin | sem-pər-sü-prə | Always Above

Fitting for the United States Space Force, Semper Supra (Always Above) has been their motto and the name of their official march since 2022. The motto was coined by US Air Force Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez, who chose it after researching the mottos of other branches of the military and deciding that Semper Supra and its translation were easy to say and memorize.

Image: Glenn Hansen

Latin | lä-ˌbȯr-ˌȯm-nē-ˌä-ˈwiŋ-kit | Work Conquers All

Close in sentiment to Ad Astra per Aspera, this phrase emphasizes that anything can be achieved by hard work and dedication. It has a long history, dating back to a poem by Virgil during Caesar's rule in Ancient Rome. Labor Omnia Vincit has been used extensively as a slogan, and it serves as the motto of the state of Oklahoma.

Image: ActionVance

While NASA has used Ad Astra per Aspera as a slogan on different occasions, For the Benefit of All is its official motto. This phrase encapsulates the spirit of NASA's mission, which is to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all humanity.

Image: David Trinks

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is an organization that takes pride in holding its members to the highest standards of personal character. That´s why they chose Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity as their motto, to showcase the values they prize the most. Coincidentally, these three terms can also be abbreviated as the initialism FBI.

Image: Erika Fletcher

A deceptively simple motto with a storied background, Friendship is a rough translation of the name of Texas itself. Texas or Tejas was the Spanish transcription of the name of a local native tribe, whose name meant "friends" or "allies." In time, Texas became the name of the state, and its original meaning of Friendship survived as its official motto.

Image: Public Domain

Adopted by Congress in 1956, In God We Trust became the official motto of the United States, replacing E Pluribus Unum, which had been in use since its appearance in the design of the Great Seal of the United States. It was received with almost unanimous approval by the general population, and it remains one of the most popular mottos in America. It's on display on several government buildings and, of course, printed on American currency.

TALL TALES

Reaching High: The 10 Most Fascinating Skyscrapers In The World

Image: Rohan Makhecha

Skyscrapers are the architectural legacy of modernity. Pushing the boundaries of engineering and design, these monumental structures redefined urban living and reshaped cities. From towering glass structures to spiraling wonders, skyscrapers continue to fascinate city dwellers and stand as testaments to human ingenuity.

Let’s take a tour around the world and explore 10 of the most fascinating skyscrapers out there!

Image: Nick Fewings

Location: Dubai, UAE

At a staggering 2,722 feet, the Burj Khalifa currently reigns as the world's tallest building. Its sleek design, inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis as well as by Islamic architecture, features a spiraling pattern that draws the eye upward. An architectural wonder, it is built to endure the extreme conditions of the desert while offering panoramic views of the city below.

Image: Antonella Vilardo

Location: Shanghai, China

As the third-tallest building globally, the Shanghai Tower soars 2,073 feet into the sky. Its distinctive twisted shape not only reduces wind loads but also creates a stunning visual effect. With some of the world's fastest elevators, a mixed-use concept, and a futuristic design that focuses on high energy efficiency, the Shanghai Tower is a striking symbol of China's rapid development.

Image: Lucas Franco

Location: New York City, USA

An emblem of resilience and rebirth, the One World Trade Center is arguably the beating heart of New York City. Reaching 1,776 feet, a deliberate homage to the year of American independence, the colossal building was also designed to be in harmony with the city’s iconic skyline. Whether seeking to understand the city's history, or simply marvel at the breathtaking views, the One World Trade Center is an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.

Image: Vlad Shapochnikov

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The breathtaking Petronas Towers in Malaysia’s capital proudly held the title of the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. But despite being surpassed, they are still a marvel of modern architecture. Their sleek design inspired by Islamic motifs incorporates steel and glass to stunning effect. The sky bridge connecting the two towers offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist attraction.

Image: Jack Brind

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

The tallest building in Taiwan, Taipei 101's bold design incorporates elements of traditional Asian architecture with modern technology. Its distinctive pagoda-like structure is made to withstand typhoons and earthquakes and also to symbolize the connection between earth and sky. Its 101 floors are also deliberate, as the number represents the renewal of time, linking past and future.

Image: Ryan Brooklyn

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Standing 1,821 feet tall, Lotte World Tower's elegant silhouette dominates the Seoul skyline. Its design draws inspiration from traditional Korean ceramics and features cutting-edge sustainability elements. The first building in South Korea to be over 100 stories tall, light and fireworks displays are often showcased from the tower during national festivities or celebrations.

Image: Valentin Kremer

Location: London, UK

Formerly known as the London Bridge Tower and rising 1,016 feet above the skyline, The Shard's glass façade and iconic silhouette have become synonymous with modern London. Its characteristic pyramidal shape was designed to resemble the 18th-century London spires as well as the masts of sailing ships.

Image: Andreas M

Location: Singapore

Although technically not a skyscraper by most accounts, at 650 feet, the Marina Bay Sands building is still a wonder of modern architecture. The multifaceted complex consists of three towers connected at the top by a massive rooftop terrace known as the SkyPark, which features gardens, infinity pools, and panoramic views of the city skyline.

Image: Martti Salmi

Location: New York City, USA

Soaring 1,550 feet above Manhattan's skyline, the Central Park Tower stands as the tallest primarily residential building in the world. Designed to maximize both views and comfort, the luxurious building offers unparalleled views of Central Park and the iconic cityscape, with amenities including a private club, swimming pool, and concierge services.

Image: irvin calicut, CC BY-SA 3.0

Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait

As the tallest building in Kuwait and the tallest curved concrete skyscraper in the world, the Al Hamra Tower is the central piece of Kuwait City’s skyline. Its twisting form and beautifully polished frontage make it an unforgettable landmark, with an innovative design that incorporates energy-efficient features and advanced technology to minimize reflective surface area.