Marine Band Honors John Philip Sousa at His Gravesite

Ceremonial arrival of The President's Own

The Drum Major leads members of 'The President's Own' United States Marine Band through the cemetery grounds to begin the annual memorial tribute at John Philip Sousa's grave.

The President's Own Marches Through Congressional Cemetery

Live Sousa march performed at his gravesite

A ceremonial ensemble from the US Marine Band delivers a stirring live performance of a classic Sousa march directly beside his resting place.

Marine Band Performs at the Grave of John Philip Sousa

Commands echo through the cemetery as the color guard advances the colors and the Marine Band plays a solemn tribute piece at the Sousa family plot.

Presentation of the Colors and Gravesite Ceremony

Honoring the legendary March King at his resting place

Colonel Jason Fettig opens a gravesite tribute to John Philip Sousa at historic Congressional Cemetery, celebrating his legacy as the iconic March King.

Tribute to America's March King

He almost ran away to join the circus at age 13

Colonel Fettig reveals how young Sousa was persuaded to run away with a traveling circus before his father intervened and enlisted him as a Marine apprentice musician.

When John Philip Sousa Almost Joined the Circus

Selected to direct The President's Own at age 25

After building a career in civilian orchestras, Sousa was tracked down by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to direct The President's Own and transform its standards.

How a 25-Year-Old Took Over the Marine Band

Approved directly by the US President in 1891

Sousa secured direct permission from President Benjamin Harrison in 1891 to take the Marine Band on its first national tour across 13 states.

The First Ever Marine Band National Tour

The untold story of America's official national march

The speaker reveals how John Philip Sousa composed The Stars and Stripes Forever on Christmas Day in 1896, which later became the official national march of the United States.

The Christmas Day Origin of America's National March

Playing America's national march at the March King's grave

The United States Marine Band performs the energetic opening strain of The Stars and Stripes Forever right beside John Philip Sousa's monument at Congressional Cemetery.

The Marine Band Plays at Sousa's Gravesite

The Marine Band honors March King John Philip Sousa.

The U.S. Marine Band performs a precision graveside musical tribute honoring the legendary composer John Philip Sousa.

Marine Band Performs at Sousa's Gravesite

[00:00] The President's Own Marches Through Congressional Cemetery
[02:26] Marine Band Performs at the Grave of John Philip Sousa
[05:12] Presentation of the Colors and Gravesite Ceremony
[10:42] Tribute to America's March King
[12:15] When John Philip Sousa Almost Joined the Circus
[13:09] How a 25-Year-Old Took Over the Marine Band
[14:11] The First Ever Marine Band National Tour
[16:03] The Christmas Day Origin of America's National March
[18:13] The Marine Band Plays at Sousa's Gravesite
[21:02] Marine Band Performs at Sousa's Gravesite

Marine Band Honors John Philip Sousa at His Gravesite

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