“The Naval Reserve” (1917)

“The Boys in Navy Blue” and “Great Lakes” were alternate titles Sousa used for this march, which he wrote while in charge of the Navy band program at Great Lakes during World War I. It was dedicated to the officers and men of the Naval Reserve. The second half of the march was based on his then current song, “Blue Ridge, I’m Coming Back to You.”

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 73. Used by permission.