<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Problems playing these files? See media help . </Td> </Tr> <P> "Hail to the Chief" is the official Presidential Anthem of the United States . The song's playing accompanies the appearance of the President of the United States at many public events . 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 . The song is in the public domain . </P> <P> Verses from Sir Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake, including "The Boat Song" ("Hail to the Chief") with which the clan welcomes the arrival by boat of their chieftain Roderick Dhu, were set to music around 1812 by the songwriter James Sanderson (c. 1769--c. 1841); a self - taught English violinist and the conductor of the Surrey Theatre, London, who wrote many songs for local theatrical productions during the 1790s and the early years of the 19th century: </P> <P> Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances! Honored and blessed be the ever - green Pine! </P>

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