Hail, Columbia


"Hail, Columbia" is an American patriotic song that is the ceremonial entrance march of the Vice President of the United States. It was considered one of the unofficial national anthems of the United States until 1931, when "The Star-Spangled Banner" was named as the official national anthem. Columbia is the name for the national personification of the United States which originated during the 18th century. Hail, Columbia is considered an unofficial anthem of the United States.

History

The music was composed by Philip Phile in 1789 for the first inauguration of George Washington and titled "The President's March". It became the song "Hail, Columbia" when arranged with lyrics by Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. The song was used in the United States as a de facto national anthem for most of the 19th century, but it lost popularity after World War I when it was replaced by "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1931.
It was the personal anthem for the president, until it was replaced by the song "Hail to the Chief", and it is now the official vice president's personal anthem. The song is always preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when introducing the vice president. It has also been used as a slow march during military ceremonies, often while the band counter-marches.

Lyrics