National Emblem, by E. E. Bagley

Edwin Eugene Bagley (1857-1922) was a somewhat obscure New England composer of patriotic tunes; much of his work remains unheralded even today. However, famed composer Frederick Fennell has said of Bagley’s famous march National Emblem that “It is as perfect as a march can be.” This march has often been mistakenly attributed to Sousa, in that it has all the hallmarks of a top Sousa hit. Written in 1906, National Emblem remains second perhaps only to Sousa’s Stars & Stripes Forever as America ’s favorite patriotic march.

Taken from: http://www.silverclefmusic.com/ProgramNotes/ViewNotes.htm#NationalEmblem