Hail To The Chief

Hail To The Chief

"Hail to the Chief" is the official Presidential Anthem of the United States. Its playing accompanies the appearance of the President at many public appearances. For major official occasions, the United States Marine Band and other military ensembles generally are the performers, so directives of the U.S. 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 the President. The song is also played during a former President's state funeral, though it can also be played even if the funeral is not a state funeral such as the funeral of Richard Nixon. The song is in the public domain.

Read more about Hail To The Chief:  History, The Lyrics

Famous quotes containing the words hail to the, hail and/or chief:

    Hail to thee, lady! and the grace of heaven,
    Before, behind thee, and on every hand,
    Enwheel thee round!
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    Out of the slimy mud of words, out of the sleet and hail of verbal imprecisions,
    Approximate thoughts and feelings, words that have taken the place of thoughts and feelings,
    There springs the perfect order of speech, and the beauty of incantation.
    —T.S. (Thomas Stearns)

    The chief benefit, which results from philosophy, arises in an indirect manner, and proceeds more from its secret, insensible influence, than from its immediate application.
    David Hume (1711–1776)