Marching Mocs

Hail to the Chief is one of the most famliar patroitic marches. Learn the story behind the famous presidential song. The playing of the march typically signals that the President of the United States is about to arrive and is generally associated with the U.S. Marine Marching Band. The march is also played at the inauguration of U.S. Presidents.

The march was not originally composed for the President. It is often traced back to a poem by Sir Walter Scott’s “The Lady of the Lake” a poem first published in 1910. It was later performed in London and was adapted to James Sanderson’s “Hail To The Chief” melody.

Legend has it that Julia Tyler, wife of President John Tyler, first requested that “Hail to the Chief” be played to at official occasions. Sara Polk, wife of President Polk is credited with first using the march to announce the official arrival of the President From that point forward the tradition began.

Hail to the Chief was first played as part of an inauguration March 4, 1837 for the occasion of the inauguration of President Martin Van Buren and later as a more formal march to honor President James Polk at his inauguration in 1852.

In 1954 the U.S. Department of Defense announced that  “Hail to the Chief” would be the official music to announce the arrival of the President of the United States.

The U.S. Marine Band was formally established in 1798 by an Act of Congress. The Marine Band is the official organization that provides music for the President of the United States and is most closely associated with the song.

For a free copy of the lyrics and song visit loriferber.com

The song is not without its detractors. President Chester Arthur is said to have disliked the march so intensely that he requested that John Philip Sousa (who at the time was the conductor of the U.S. Marine Band) to compose a more dignified salute to the President called “Presidential Polonaise”.

Lori & Steve Ferber having been selling and collecting presidential memorabilia for over 35 years. They specialize in collectibles, souvenirs and memorabilia for all U.S. Presidents and operate a website at www.loriferber.com.

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