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Marines

Presidential Inauguration 2025

This page provides information about the Marine Band's participation in the 2025 Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump.

Prelude and Ceremony lineup

“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 for Jan. 20, 2025:

9:30 a.m. Perform pre-ceremony music.

11:15 a.m. Commencement of formal program.
Call to Order
Welcoming Remarks
Invocation
Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect J.D. Vance
Four Ruffles and Flourishes by the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
“Hail Columbia” by the U.S. Marine Band 

11:45 a.m. Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Donald Trump
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 guest artist

*Schedule subject to change

contact us

Interested in b-roll, photos, or interview opportunities? Contact the Marine Band Office of Communication for assistance. Also check out our media kit.

(202) 433-5809  /  marineband.communication@usmc.mil 

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 President Donald Trump immediately after taking the oath of office.

History of "Hail to the Chief"

"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 J.D. Vance takes the oath of office.