Semper Fidelis at the Sousa grave played by the "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. On Monday morning November 6, The US Marine Band will pay their annual respects to their 17th Director, John Philip Sousa, at Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC on the occasion of his 163rd birthday. It's a moving tribute and not one to be missed. A wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our "March King." #JohnPhilipSousa | John Philip Sousa

"The Thunderer" (1889) This march, according to Paul Bierley, noted Sousa scholar, was Mrs. Sousa’s favorite march. Like other marches written at this time, it was published by Harry Coleman of Philadelphia, being sold outright for $35. The march was dedicated to the Columbia Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar of Washington (Sousa was knighted in this Commandery on December 10, 1886) on the occasion of the 24th Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment. Sousa was a Master Mason for 51 years and