Hail to the Chief

"Hail to the Chief" is a piece of music originally announcing arrival by boat at an island in a Scottish loch, but today best known as the personal anthem of the president of the United States, adapted by James Sanderson from an original Scottish Gaelic melody.

The song's playing accompanies the appearance of the president of the United States at many public events; it is also played at inauguration ceremonies, playing at the arrival of the incumbent president (outgoing or newly re-elected, as the case may be), and immediately after the president takes his oath of office. For a time, it was also played at the end of the ceremonies with the departure of the president. For major official occasions, the United States Marine Band and other military ensembles are generally the performers, so directives of the United States Department of Defense have, since 1954, been the main basis for according it official status. It is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when played for the president. The song is also played during a former President's state funeral after the casket is removed from the hearse. Its age puts the song into the public domain.