The Stars and Stripes Forever Day 2023: The 14th of May is commemorated as The Stars and Stripes Forever Day in recognition of John Philip Sousa’s march of the same name. In 1987, it was renamed the National March of the United States. A typical performance of the march begins with a four-bar introduction, followed by the first and second’strains’ which are repeated.
HISTORY OF THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER DAY
John Philip Sousa’s autobiography “Marching Along” from 1928 states that ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ march was composed on Christmas Day, 1896. It was composed while Sousa and his wife were returning from a vacation in Europe and he learned of the demise of his band manager, David Blakely. After his return to the United States, he wrote the observations down on paper.
On May 14, 1897, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” was first performed in public at Willow Grove Park outside of Philadelphia, where it was enthusiastically received. A congressional act from 1987 designated ‘The Stars and Stripes’ as the official national march of the United States of America. The march is extensively known in the entertainment industry as the “Disaster March.”
In the early 20th century, ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ march was commonly used as an emergency signal in theatres. It would serve as a subtle alert to emergency personnel, allowing them to marshal all exits effectively without creating a stampede. During the Hartford circus fire on July 6, 1944, in which at least 168 people perished, ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ was used as an emergency signal in a memorable instance.
In 1987, it was designated as the National March of the United States to honour John Philip Sousa’s march with the same title.
HOW TO OBSERVE THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER DAY
Pay attention to ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’
In honour of Stars and Stripes Day, you can listen to ‘The Stars and Stripes’ march. The band of Sousa has a recording available on YouTube.
Participate in the conversations on social media
You may upload a video of yourself singing “The Stars and Stripes Forever” lyrics. Utilise the #TheStarsAndStripesForeverDay hashtag on social media.
Watch the biopic “Stars and Stripes Forever”
John Philip Sousa is the subject of a biographical film titled “Stars and Stripes Forever.” On a dreary Sunday afternoon, you should absolutely give it a watch.
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5 FACTS ABOUT JOHN PHILIP SOUSA
Military and musical heritage
John Philip Sousa was born in Washington, D.C., near a Marine barracks, and his father was a member of the U.S. Marine Band.
He led the Marine Corps band.
John Philip Sousa was the 17th leader of the Marine band after becoming its conductor in 1880.
He was the composer of the Marine march
John Philip Sousa composed the Marine march, known as ‘Semper Fidelis,’ in 1888.
He was referred to as ‘The March King’.
A British journalist dubbed John Philip Sousa “The March King” after he wrote and composed ‘The Washington Post’ in 1889.
He made a belated military return
John Philip Sousa entered the Naval Reserve at the age of 62 during World War I.
WHY THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER DAY IS IMPORTANT
The Stars and Stripes represent nationalism.
The ‘Stars and Stripes’ is our favourite flag because it inspires patriotism. Flags should be flying on this day.
The lyrics are effective
The lyrics to ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ are merely potent. For instance, the phrase “Hurrah for the free flag! “May it forever serve as our standard” gives us chills.
It is essential to the American identity
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” is the official national march of the United States. It is a piece of our cultural heritage.
THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 14 | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 14 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | May 14 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 14 | Thursday |
| 2027 | May 14 | Friday |
