Which statement is true about the Marine Corps motto change in 1883?

• A. It replaced 'By land, by sea' with Semper Fidelis.
• B. It replaced Semper Fidelis with 'By land, by sea'.
• C. It remained unchanged.
• D. It was replaced by 'Always Ready'.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the Marine Corps adopted a new guiding phrase in 1883 to embody its enduring values. Semper Fidelis, meaning Always Faithful, became the official motto then. This replaced the earlier motto used by the Corps, which was a phrase about operating in both domains: by land and by sea. The shift to a Latin motto emphasizes fidelity and loyalty as a constant, across all situations and times, rather than referencing the two theaters of operation alone. That’s why this option is the best: it accurately states that Semper Fidelis took the place of the previous motto. Always Ready isn’t the Marine Corps motto, and the motto hasn’t remained unchanged.