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When it comes to the historical knowledge and performance of marches, especially for those written by John Philip Sousa, the United States Marine Band is considered a prime resource. That’s why during the month of March, “The President’s Own” will be hosting “Sousa’s March Mania,” a tournament pitting 32 marches against each other for the Marine Band online community to determine which one is the favorite. Every day through April 6, marches will compete head to head while Marine Band friends and fans vote which ones advance in the tournament. Participants can listen to the competing marches below, download and...

The United States Marine Band's 215th anniversary concert scheduled for Saturday, July 6, 2013, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been canceled due to sequestration. This event will not be rescheduled.

Master Gunnery Sgt. D. Michael Ressler opens the big fireproof safe, bends his tall frame and slides out the Marine Band leader’s logbook for 1937. He turns to Wednesday, Jan. 20. “Inauguration Day,” the entry begins. “Uniform blue and overcoats. Fierce downfall of rain near freezing during entire ceremony...a day long to be remembered ...band marched and played pretty much continuous...good to keep the blood circulating.” It was Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second inauguration, says Ressler, 60. Roosevelt spoke, and the band played, before an ocean of umbrellas. This was before Ressler’s day. But in a way, it was his time....

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indespensible supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness -- these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. ... [L]et us with caution indulge the opposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of...

PHOTOS: GAY ACTIVISTS INVITED TO WH 'FLIP OFF' REAGAN PORTRAIT This should be interesting. http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2012/06/22/gay-activists-give-ronald-reagan-finger-white-house/

I must admit that when "Hail To The Chief" was played during the Inauguration of President Obama, something about it didn't seem right - and it had nothing to do with the fact that I would have voted for Pete Puma before Obama. It was, rather, a strange uneasiness - or even a sadness, if you will - at what I hoped was just a misguided instinct on my part. All of the typical Inaugural "pomp and circumstance" seemed a touch out of kilter with the new President - as if the ceremonious proceedings were there as good-intentioned recompense to...

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band2007 Concert TourOctober 1 - November 18, 2007 Northeastern United StatesFounded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is America’s oldest professional musical organization. Today, “The President’s Own” is celebrated for its role at the White House and its dynamic public performances. “The President’s Own” encompasses the United States Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles, and performs regularly at the White House and for more than 500 public performances across the nation each year. Concerts are free, but tickets are required. To request tickets,...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...