ARMED FORCES DAY | In 1949, President Harry S. Truman declared the third Saturday in May to be Armed Forces Day, a day to recognize the service of all those currently serving in the United States military. The holiday celebrates the unity of all military service branches under the Department of Defense. Over the years, Armed Forces Day has been commemorated with parades, air shows, and concerts. Today we’re celebrating by releasing one of our brand new video projects, “The Washington Post March”

"The Washington Post" march by John Philip Sousa is a family affair! In this #MarineMusicalMoment, hear Marine Band members Master Sgt. Karl Johnson and Gunnery Sgt. Karen Johnson perform the march with a unique ensemble and very special guest instrumentalists. #OnThisDay – On June 15, 1889, the Washington Post newspaper held an award ceremony on the Smithsonian grounds to announce the winner of the Post’s essay contest for school children. The owners of the newspaper had requested Sousa, then l

170 years of Sousa: John Philip Sousa was born on Nov. 6, 1854 in Washington, D.C. Today we honor 170 years of The March King’s legacy with a performance of the “Washington Post” march. Happy birthday John Philip Sousa! Full video here: https://youtu.be/GveApCG2Qto #usnavy #birthday #sousa #march #americasnavy #commodores #jazz | United States Navy Band

The “Washington Post” march: One of Sousa’s most popular marches, the “Washington Post” march, was written in 1889 to promote an essay contest sponsored by the newspaper. Full video: https://youtu.be/QaAHXiHUmls #sousa #funk #cruisers #march #usnavy #americasnavy | United States Navy Band