“Sabre and Spurs” (1918)

According to the inscription on the sheet music and on both of Sousa’s known manuscripts, this was to be the “March of the American Cavalry.” It was dedicated to the officers and men of the 311th Cavalry, commanded by Colonel George W. K. Kirkpatrick. It is another of Sousa’s World War I efforts which retained its popularity after the war.

Today it may seem amusing that a scroll of appreciation designated Sousa “honorary life member of the Officers’ Mess of the 311th Cavalry.” But in Army terminology of the day this meant that he was made an honorary life member of the regiment, the highest honor they could bestow.

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 82. Used by permission.