Written on Christmas Day, 1896 (bonus points for those seeing the irony), this song has been declared the National March of the United States through act of Congress in 1987. Also known as the Disaster March in theater and the circus, it is a traditional code signaling a life-threatening emergency (more bonus points for you-know-who). This tone is the introduction and first verse. Here's the lyrics; please feel free to sing along! Let martial note in triumph float And liberty extend its mighty hand A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers, The banner of the Western land. The emblem of the brave and true Its folds protect no tyrant crew; The red and white and starry blue Is freedom's shield and hope.
