Hail to the Chief

Common card · No. 264729

"Hail to the Chief" is a piece of music best known as the personal anthem of the president of the United States. Its original purpose was to announce arrival by boat at an island in a Scottish loch, which was adapted by James Sanderson from an original Scottish Gaelic melody. The song's playing accompanies the appearance of the president of the United States at many public events; it is also played at inauguration ceremonies, playing at the arrival of the incumbent president (outgoing or newly re-elected, as the case may be), and immediately after the president takes his oath of office. For a time, it was also played at the end of the ceremonies with the departure of the president. For major official occasions, the United States Marine Band and other military ensembles are generally the performers, so directives of the United States Department of Defense have, since 1954, been the main basis for according it official status. It is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when played for...

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