Marine Barracks Washington, DC -- On New Year’s Day, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band “surprised” 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith and his wife with a musical serenade at in the back yard of the home of the Commandants, the longest continually occupied building in Washington, D.C. Conducted by Director Lieutenant Col. Ryan Nowlin, the Marine Band kicked off the serenade with The Marines’ Hymn followed by John Philip Sousa’s march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The band also performed Sousa’s march “Semper Fidelis,” the official march of the Marine Corps, and “Bless this House,” by Helen Taylor and May Brahe. The song featured vocalist Staff Sgt. Hannah Davis on a lush melody with lyrics meant to bless the home and its residents:
Bless this house, O Lord we pray,
Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls, so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out;
Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless the door, that it may prove,
Ever open to joy and love.
While some accounts hint the annual tradition of “surprising” the Corps’ top general with a musical serenade began as early as 1806, Marine Corps lore points to 1865 when the band serenaded Lieutenant Col. Jacob Zeilin, seventh Commandant of the Marine Corps, with a performance he wasn’t expecting. Zeilin thanked the Marines by inviting them inside for hot buttered rum and breakfast.
During the 2025 serenade, Nowlin spoke directly to the General Smith, saying, “We take this time to reflect on the words of The Marines’ Hymn—to be the first to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean; and how proud we are to claim that title.”
“We take this time to look back at the accomplishments, and the successes, and the struggles and challenges of 2024,” he continued. “The Marine Band has been able to tell the Marine Corps story to millions and connect with them heart-to-heart in person and online around the world, and we look forward to 2025 where we we’ll strive to reach millions more.”
Nowlin noted that the band is trusted with the stewardship of the nation as the organization will begin the year by supporting the burial of the 39th President and inaugurating the 47th. He then thanked the Commandant on behalf of the Marine Band for his support and love for Marine Corps music and wished the general health, clarity of vision and peace in the coming year.
Smith then addressed the band members, thanking them for their musical excellence and attention to detail. He commended the band with bringing great credit to the Marine Corps, adding, “we are so grateful for all that you do, so Happy New Year to you!”
The Commandant invited the band inside the house where the Marines spent time enjoying holiday décor and refreshments alongside the Commanding Officer of Marine Barracks Washington Colonel Carrie Batson and family members. The serenade tradition that dates back to the 19th Century continued with comradery and anticipation of the new year, the 250th Anniversary of the Marines—a year to explore the Corps’ legacy and embrace the future.