Yesterday morning, a whole slew of Hill residents, both young and old, gathered at Congressional Cemetery to pay tribute to one of the Hill’s favorite sons: John Philip Sousa. Born 159 years ago yesterday, he continues to exert a great influence on the Marine Band that he led for so many years: the band that has been given the name President’s Own. They were there, of course, for an event that not only celebrated Sousa’s life, but the incredibly successful year that Congressional Cemetery has had this year.
Sousa’s grave, with a wreath laid by the leader of the United States Marine Band. (RSP)
Paul Williams, President of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery, greets the assembled crowd. (RSP)
The Hill is Home’s own Tim Krepp was given an award for Docent of the Year at the Cemetery. (RSP)
Also present: John Philip Sousa himself, as played by Ronald D. Anzalone. Here, he is received his birthday card in a way that has presumably never happened to him in the past (RSP)
The media was out in full force. The Cemetery staff and volunteers were stunned and thrilled by the turnout. They ran out of chairs entirely, which the crowd did not seem to mind much (RSP)
Sousa gave a brief overview of his life, and the importance to him of the Marine Band. (RSP)
As he finished up, the real stars of the event began arriving. (RSP)
The band has been coming to Congressional on Sousa’s birthday to pay tribute to the man who made them great since 1968; many years, they would be the only ones at the gravesite. (RSP)
Their program was not long, but managed to include the Stars and Stripes forever, the national anthem and the Marine Hymn (not, of course, written by Sousa, but much loved by him) (RSP)
Colonel Michael J. Colburn, leader of the band, also had an opportunity to speak. (RSP)
After which, he laid a wreath at Sousa’s grave, while the band played one of Sousa’s more subdued pieces. (RSP)
Colburn framed by one of the instruments Sousa invented – and which, legend has it, can still be heard on foggy nights emanating from the Cemetery – the Sousaphone. (RSP)
Drum Major Master Gunnery Sergeant William J. Browne being interviewed by one of the many reporters present (RSP)
Browne then posed for pictures. He did not smile. (RSP)