On July 11, 1798, Congress passed legislation that created the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Band, America's oldest professional musical organization. The United States Marine Band has been nicknamed "The President's Own" because of its historic connection to the president of the United States. At its origin, the fledgling band consisted of a Drum Major, a Fife Major and 32 drums and fifes. Since that time, the band has been present at many of the most memorable moments in our nation's history, including every inauguration since the time of Thomas Jefferson, who is credited with giving them the title, "The President's Own." Take a journey through the United States Marine Band's distinguished history and close connection to the White House.