"The President's Own"

On July 11, 1798, President John Adams approved legislation that officially brought "The President's Own" United States Marine Band into being, making the Marine Band America's oldest professional musical organization. At its origin, the fledgling band consisted of a "drum major, fife major and 32 drums and fifes." Since that time, the band has been present at many of the most memorable moments in our nation's history, including every inauguration since the time of Thomas Jefferson, the president who gave them the title, "The President's Own." Take a journey through the United States Marine Band's distinguished history and close connection to the White House.