“National Fencibles” (1888)

The National Fencibles of this march’s title were a popular drill team in Washington, D.C. The words to the trio of the march reflect their esprit de corps:

“Forward to the battle, the trumpet is sounding;
‘Come if you dare!’ We loudly sing.
Shoulder to shoulder, with hearts rebounding;
Onward we march with the Fencibles’ swing.”

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 72. Used by permission.