Congressional Cemetery and the Marine Band for a celebration of the life and legacy of John Philip Sousa on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Sousa (November 6, 1860 – March 6, 1932) was born in a house near Sixth and G Streets SE. After an attempt at the age of 13 to run away as a musician with the circus, Sousa’s father enrolled him in the Marine Corps as a musician apprentice.
Beginning in 1880, Sousa led the Marine Band, also known as ‘The President’s Own Band,’ through five presidents before retiring in 1892 to lead his civilian band, the Sousa Band. He died in 1932 and is buried in Congressional Cemetery.
Sousa became internationally known as the ‘March King,’ and was the composer of such renowned pieces as “Semper Fidelis,” the Official March of the United States Marine Corps, “The Washington Post” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” the National March of the United States.
The Marine Band plays the music the “March King” composed at his graveside every year on his birthday. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Congressional Cemetery will start the program at 12:30 p.m. with a short awards ceremony, followed by a brief lecture by a John Philip Sousa impersonator.
The “President’s Own” Marine Corps band will enter through the 17th Street gate at precisely 1:00 p.m. for a 25 minute concert at the grave site, located near the chapel.
The event takes place rain or shine, free to the public. Please RSVP here. Closed to dogs.
