John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. He is known as "The March King" or the "American March King", to distinguish him from his British counterpart Kenneth J. Alford.

Quotes

• Let martial note in triumph float
  And liberty extend its mighty hand
  A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers,
  The banner of the Western land.
  The emblem of the brave and true
  Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
  The red and white and starry blue
  Is freedom's shield and hope.
  • "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (1896), first strain

• Hurrah for the flag of the free!
  May it wave as our standard forever,
  The gem of the land and the sea,
  The banner of the right.
  Let tyrants remember the day
  When our fathers with mighty endeavor
  Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
  That by their might and by their right
  It waves forever.
  • "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (1896), trio