Taken from the sheet music cover of John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" emblazoned on the front and on the back:
The red and white and starry blue is freedom's shield and hope.
— John Philip Sousa
The shirt:
- Heather grey — Printed on a 4.3 oz 90% cotton/10% polycotton shirt with comfortable, relaxed fit. Sizes: S - 2XL
- Navy blue — 100% cotton, fitted v-neck shirt for women. Printed in New England. Imported. 4.4 oz. Sizes: S - 4XL See size chart.
You may also find this design on a made in America t-shirt for men and women, crewneck sweatshirt, magnet, and a sticker.
Historical background
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" is a patriotic American march written and composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896. By a 1987 act of the U.S. Congress, it is the official National March of the United States of America.
On October 1, 1880, 26-year-old musician and composer John Philip Sousa took over the United States Marine Corps Band, transforming it with new arrangements and original compositions, making it the nation’s premier musical ensemble. In 1892, seeking new challenges, Sousa left the Marines to form Sousa’s Band with promoter David Blakely. The band quickly became successful, producing hits like “El Capitan March” and “Washington Post March,” and selling out concerts nationwide.
In 1895, due to exhaustion, Sousa left the band, and during a trip to Europe, he learned of Blakely’s death. Deeply affected, Sousa returned to the U.S. Inspired by his memories of Blakely, he composed “The Stars and Stripes Forever” during his voyage home. The song became an instant hit and a symbol of American patriotism.
In 1932, at age 78, Sousa conducted “The Stars and Stripes Forever” one last time before passing away later that night. The song was declared the “Official March of the United States of America” in 1987 and remains a beloved piece of American musical heritage, often played during Independence Day celebrations.
THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER!
LYRICS BY JOHN PHILIP SOUSA
Let martial note in triumph float
And liberty extend its mighty hand
A flag appears ‘mid thunderous cheers,
The banner of the Western land.
The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom’s shield and hope.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom’s nation.
Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever,
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.
Let eagle shriek from lofty peak
The never-ending watchword of our land;
Let summer breeze waft through the trees
The echo of the chorus grand.
Sing out for liberty and light,
Sing out for freedom and the right.
Sing out for Union and its might,
O patriotic sons.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation,
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom’s nation.
Hurrah for the flag of the free.
May it wave as our standard forever
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with might endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray,
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.
Source: LOC.gov
Our thanks to Larisa for the photo.