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Marines

Presidential Inauguration 2021
This page provides information about the Marine Band's participation in the 2021 Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden.

 

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band’s mission is to perform for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. On March 4, 1801, Thomas Jefferson became the first to be sworn in as President in Washington, D.C., and it is believed that the Marine Band was present for this event. During the ceremony, the band is positioned directly below the presidential podium at the U.S. Capitol. Below is an outline of the schedule of events.

10 a.m. Perform pre-ceremony music on U.S. Capitol platform. Download prelude program.

11:30 a.m. Commencement of formal program. Download ceremony program.
Call to Order
Welcoming Remarks
Invocation
Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris
Four Ruffles and Flourishes by the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
“Hail Columbia” by the U.S. Marine Band 

11:50 a.m. Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Joe Biden
Four Ruffles and Flourishes by the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
“Hail to the Chief” by the U.S. Marine Band
Inaugural Address
Benediction
The National Anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the U.S. Marine Band and Lady Gaga 

"Hail Columbia" is most associated today as honors to the Vice President, but it didn’t officially become so until August 1, 1969. The first time this song was played at an Inauguration Ceremony by the Marine Band was for President James Monroe on March 4, 1821. In the century that followed when the nation was looking for a National Anthem, “Hail Columbia” was actually a leading contender. "Hail Columbia" will be performed immediately after Vice President-elect Kamala Harris takes the oath of office. 

"The President's Own" has more than 60 members participating in various aspects of the Presidential Inauguration. To arrange an interview or to obtain photos video, or audio, contact the Marine Band Office of Communication at 202-433-5809 or email marineband.communication@usmc.mil.  

The Marine Band will host an rehearsal open to the media on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 11-12:30, at the Marine Barracks Annex in southeast Washington D.C. Advance registration is required. To register, visit http://bit.ly/USMBMediaDay2021.

For more than a century “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band has honored Presidents with ‘Hail to the Chief,” music indelibly associated with America’s Commander-in-Chief. "Hail to the Chief" will be played by the Marine Band to honor newly inaugurated President-elect Joe Biden immediately after taking the oath of office.

History of "Hail to the Chief"