In the late 60s in order to stir patriotism, President Nixon ordered all his marches to be recorded and the Belle Isle band, outside of Detroit, got the job. I got to play in some of it but I can't remember which marches. Anyway, two of my favorites are the
George Washington Bicentennial and of course Stars and Stripes Forever. I picked the Horowitz piano recording of it because I was taken by a comment made by a listener on YouTube: "...this was written by a good american composer, and interprerted and played by the greatest russian pianist that ever lived. The result, an amazing piece which transcends nationality, and politics. So for at least 3 minutes and 50 seconds, forget the politics and just enjoy the music". Take the link. Put a stride in your step. Memorial Day is upon us.