U.S. Marine Band Hails the Chief Jan. 20

U.S. Marine Band Hails the Chief Jan. 20 'The President's Own' to Perform for the 55th Inauguration of the President of the United States, Honoring a 203-year Tradition Initiated by Thomas Jefferson in 1801 WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- "The President's Own" United States Marine Band will perform Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, for the 55th Inauguration of the President of the United States. This marks the Marine Band's 52nd Inaugural performance, honoring a 203-year tradition initiated in 1801 by Thomas Jefferson. Today, the Marine Band is the single participating unit to perform for both the Inaugural Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and the Inaugural Parade, and is the only unit directly attached to the White House in its mission: to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The United States Marine Band was established by an Act of Congress in 1798 and first performed at the White House on New Years Day in 1801 for John Adams. Following the band's performance for Jefferson's Inauguration later that year, the newly-inducted president authored the title "The President's Own," which today remains the band's official moniker and the cornerstone of its mission. Now in its second century of service to the Commander-In-Chief, "The President's Own" has expanded to include the Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra and Marine Chamber Ensembles, with a membership of roughly 160. The band, orchestra and ensembles, as well as special ensembles such as the Marine Jazz Orchestra and Free Country, perform for more than 300 White House events annually. These include: events of national importance such as State Arrivals; Presidential events such as Inaugurals and State Funerals; holiday events; and other White House activities, such as receptions and ceremonies. The 2005 Inauguration will be held from noon - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, in Washington, D.C. Ensembles from "The President's Own" also will perform for evening celebrations following the day's official events. For more information, including facts and highlights on "The President's Own" Inaugural history, White House history, 2005 Inauguration rehearsal and performance schedule and more, please contact the Public Affairs Office at (202) 433-5809 or USMBPAO@mbw.usmc.mil. Interviews and photographs are available upon request; to request a broadcast press kit with a visual reference guide and Inaugural talking points, please also contact the above office. Official website: http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/. CONTACT: Public Affairs Office of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, +1-202-433-5809, usmbpao@mbw.usmc.mil Source: "The President's Own" United States Marine Band CONTACT: Public Affairs Office of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, +1-202-433-5809, usmbpao@mbw.usmc.mil Web site: http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/ NOTE TO EDITORS: PHOTOGRAPHS AVAILABLE ------- Profile: International Entertainment