U.S. Department of Defense: U.S. Marine Band Continues Proud Tradition

Feb. 08, 2012

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BAND PRACTICE – Members of the U.S. Marine Band "The Presidents Own" assemble in front of the Capitol early in the morning Jan. 9 to practice for the presidential inauguration. The 2005 Joint Task Force - Armed Forces Inaugural Committee carries on a more than 200-year-old tradition of honoring the new commander-in-chief and recognizing civilian control of the military. AFIC is a joint service organization established by the Secretary of the Army at the direction of the Secretary of Defense, and is charged with coordinating all military ceremonial support of the inauguration, which traditionally includes musical units, marching bands, color guards, firing details and salute batteries. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Donna Lou Morgan.

U.S. Marine Band Continues Proud Tradition

THE PRESIDENT'S OWN – Members of the U.S. Marine Band "The President's Own" assemble in front of the Capitol early Jan. 9 to practice for the upcoming presidential inauguration. The 2005 Joint Task Force - Armed Forces Inaugural Committee carries on a more than 200-year-old tradition of honoring the new commander-in-chief and recognizing civilian control of the military. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Petty Officer 2nd Class Donna Lou Morgan

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2005 – The "President's Own" United States Marine Band will perform for the 55th Inauguration of the President of the United States Jan. 20, 2005.

This marks the Marine Band's 52nd Inaugural performance, continuing a 203-year tradition initiated in 1801 by Thomas Jefferson. It is the only unit directly attached to the White House with the mission of providing music for the president of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Deborah Hanson-Gerber, who has been a member of the band for more than 13 years, will be taking part in her fourth inauguration performance this year. She said she is very honored at the opportunity to participate in these events.

"It has indeed been, and continues to be, a great honor to perform in these historic events," Hanson-Gerber said. "Over the years, I have enjoyed sharing my experiences with my children, and I hope these stories will be passed on to my grandchildren someday."

The Marine Band currently performs during both the Inaugural Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and the Inaugural Parade. In preparation for this year's events, the Marine Band has held rehearsals with guest ensembles, including the Navy Sea Chanters and the Army Herald Trumpets.

The "President's Own" has expanded in recent years to include the Marine Chamber Orchestra and Marine Chamber Ensembles in addition to the Marine Band. There are roughly 160 Marines serving. They perform for more than 300 White House events annually. These include events of national importance such as State Arrivals, State Funerals, holiday events and other White House activities such as receptions and ceremonies.