“Anchor and Star” (1918)
While leading the U.S. Navy Battalion Band at Great Lakes Naval Training Center during World War I, Sousa composed this march and dedicated it “To the U.S. Navy.” It is often compared with “Semper Fidelis” because it bears a resemblance in construction, rhythm, key, and contrapuntal devices. Just as “Globe and Eagle” was named after the U.S. Marine Corps emblem, this march was named after the U.S. Navy emblem.
Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 40. Used by permission.