Page 11

Jan-Feb 2006

"Semper Paratus" [Coast Guard Hymn]
From information provided bv Jay Garber


I often include a column titled "songs we sing." I guess this would have to be categorized as "Songs we don't sing."

Last September 22, our chorus sang at the Greentree, Holiday Inn for a reunion of crew members from the USS Cavalier. Being a military gathering, we thought it appropriate to include the "Armed Forces Medley" on the program, which of course includes excerpts from the Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force service hymns. However, the USS Cavalier was a Coast Guard ship.

One of the members present at the reunion was upset that the Armed Forces Medley did not include the Coast Guard, so he got up and personally sang the Coast Guard hymn, "Semper Paratus."

Jay Ga!ber subsequently received an e-mail from one AL Horsmon, Chief Naval Architect SP (North America), from Three Rivers (coincidence), Michigan. Jay feels this individual is the one who sang the anthem at the reunion. He included the words to the hymn in his e-mail and also included web sites from which he thought we could find the music. Jay thinks Mr. Horsmon really expects us to add it to the Armed Forces Medley. Military pride is a strong emotion!

For your general information, here are the words to "Semper Paratus."

From Aztec shore to Arctic zone,
To Europe and Far East.
The flag is carried by our ships,
In times of war and peace.
In spite of foe-men's might,
Who cheered our crews and cheered again,
For showing how to fight.

Chorus:

We're always ready for the call,
We place our trust in Thee.
Through surf and storm and howling gale,
High shall our purpose be.
"Semper Paratus" is our guide,
Our fame, our glory too.
To fight to save or fight to die,
Aye! Coast Guard, we are for you!

Any enterprising music arranger want to take a crack at this?



Here are a few song titles from a list collected by Jim Styer, Battle Creek, MI.:

Don't cut through the Wheatfield Granny, you're going against the grain.

Agony in the TeePee (or The Pain Was In Tents)

Barbershop History - General Knowledge Quiz

Author: Mark Axelrod, editor of "Blue Chip Chatter"

1. What is the name of SPEBSQSA's [BHS] newest affiliate and when did it join the barbershop brotherhood?


2. When did the Association of International Seniors Quartet Champions (AISQC) come into being?


3. Where was AISQC's first competition held?


4. Name the reigning AISQC championship quartet and which district it represents. [I think the quiz was in 2004]


5. How old (minimum age) must one be to compete as a senior?


(answers can be found on page twelve)


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