John Philip Sousa

 

On May 1, 1925, “The March King” visited “Old Ironsides.” John Philip Sousa—renowned composer, conductor, and the creative force behind “The Stars and Stripes Forever”—visited USS CONSTITUTION, a fitting meeting of two enduring American symbols.

Sousa’s connection to the U.S. military ran deep. He began his musical career in the United States Marine Band, eventually serving 12 years as its director before founding the Sousa Band. During World War I, he accepted a wartime commission to lead the Naval Reserve Band and was later promoted to lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserve.

With compositions like Semper Fidelis (the official march of the U.S. Marine Corps) and The Stars and Stripes Forever (the National March of the United States), Sousa helped define the sound of American patriotism.

His 1925 visit to USS Constitution brought together a legendary musician and the nation’s most storied warship—both built to inspire.

Photo Credit: Painting of Sousa by Capolino. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2023864822/