time for a stupid question?

Question

I hang out with a lot of Vets. Most of them are Marines. Yes we all obsessed with our Marines. We sit around my campfire and drink a few. I'm not a former Marine, I'm former Army. And I'm proud of it. However at the end of evening several of them will say "Semper Fi" I know what it means. But I'm not a Marine. Is it appropriate for me to say it back? I never have. I have too much respect for it. Just ignore the question if you think it's too silly.

Well it always involves hugging and they thank me for a great evening even tho they may end up on my couches. But they always say it while looking right in my eyes and shaking my hand. i dunno I can't say it back. I just say Thank you.

Goodness, I may have to send this to voting, there are so many good answers.
Bless you all for not making fun of me for asking this.

Answer 1

I think they'd be very pleased to hear it. No.not silly at all.

Answer 2

I to have many friends that are marines myself just served in the Army but the respect of being in the military is the same and yes have said Semper Fi even though not having served in the marines as a sign of respect and t had been acknowledged and have had no problem with it

Answer 3

I don't think it's a silly question at all. I am married to a Marine and I don't know the answer to this question. I would have to say that although Semper Fidelis is the motto of the Marine Corp, what it means, always faithful, could really be the American motto. I would say that it would be completely appropriate and respectful for you to reply in like. The fact that you would ask the question shows your level of respect.

Answer 4

I used to work with a bunch of "Ex-Marines" and it's more fun to say that when there's a bunch of em! They used to give me the lecture til they figured out my game! Usually took 10 or 12 times!

I think they would have loved to have gotten me to say "Semper Fi." They thought it was awesome when I slipped up and called the ground a "deck." Try it sometime with one and check his reaction.

Don't get me wrong. I have a lot of respect for Marines and would gladly have one covering my back. We had a great time! The jokes went both ways.

Answer 5

I'm ex-Army, and whenever I see a Marine vet or an active-duty one, I always giver them a rowdy "Semper Fi, Marine!" followed by "Thank you for your service!"

So far, if I'm wearing one of my many hats that identifies me as an Army vet, most of the time they will smile, thank me and then SALUTE! Hey, there's no disrespect in showing respect!

Answer 6

Army here and Hoorah and Semper Fi to every last one who gave Honorable Service to this Country! Everybody is on the same page and all love each other as Brothers and sisters in the fight! Sound off and let it rip!

Answer 7

Its only acceptable when you know the Marines on a personal level, such as your situation, I have an older friend who is am Army Vietnam vet and every time he sees me he says Semper Fi Chesty, i don't take any offense because i know him....the only dumb question is the one not asked......Semper Fi

Answer 8

I have used " a big army puke semper fi back at ya" and lived to tell that here.

SSG US Army 73-82

Answer 9

Why on Earth would we make fun of you? Its a good question. Years ago there was a lot of internal bickering among the different branch's of the service. I think that has changed. You have obviously been accepted into this group... say it!
Here is a website you might like.
http://www.semperfimarine.com/

Answer 10

Return it with pride, yard dog. Be proud you served your country, even if it was with another force. I was in the Navy and have many Marine comrads (all retired).

Answer 11

Why can't you just sound off with HOOAH!! You are Army, they are Marines. Would you expect them to say hooah if the situation were reversed? You earned the right to sound off! Exercise that right!