“Old Ironsides” (1926)

 

In 1926, patriotic citizens noted the deterioration of the historic old frigate Constitution, better known as “Old Ironsides,” and waged a vigorous campaign to have it restored. At a rally held in Madison Square Garden, enough money was raised to insure success of the movement. For that occasion, Sousa composed this march. He led the massed bands of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army, but whether or not the new march was played is not certain. Oddly, the march was never published, and only a manuscript sketch is known to exist today.

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 75. Used by permission.