Composed patriotic classic "National Emblem," which was played during the military's presenting and retiring of colors.
He composed "National Emblem" while on a train with his family band, but unhappy with its end, tossed the composition paper into the trash, where his family retrieved it.
His "National Emblem" incorporated the first 12 notes of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and ended with a melody reminiscent of the National Anthem.
His family was residing in Craftsbury, Vermont, when he was born.
His "National Emblem" was John Philip Sousa's third most popular march with the first two being pieces by Sousa himself.