Monday, March 7, 2011

"Hail Columbia" Button


"Hail, Columbia" was the unofficial national anthem of the United States until its replacement in 1931 by the officially mandated "Star-Spangled Banner". Columbia is a poetic name for the United States in use during the 18th century. The anthem was originally composed by Philip Phile in 1789 for the inauguration of George Washington, titled "The President's March", arranged with lyrics by Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. It was used in the United States as a national anthem for most of the 19th century, but lost popularity after World War 1.
It is now the entrance march, or the official song, for the Vice President of the United States in a similar fashion as "Hail to the Chief" is for the President. When played in honor of the Vice-President, the song is always preceded by four ruffles and flourishes. In addition, the song has been used as a slow march during military ceremonies, often while the band counter-marches. This song is not to be confused with Columbia, the gem of the Ocean.
The button is antique, brass, large size.

2 comments:

  1. I found this same button, do you know anything else about it? Thanks for posting.

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  2. Interesting button ! Can you post a pic of the back .
    Thanks
    Nicky

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