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In the News

Stepping lively for many an inauguration

The U.S. Marine Band, known as “The President’s Own,” will perform several numbers during Monday’s inauguration events, including John Philip Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis.” Back at the Marine Barracks, a vast archive about the band keeps memories alive.

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Jan. 18, 2013

At the Marine Barracks, members of the U.S. Marine Band, known as "The President's Own," practice hitting the right notes while keeping in step. The band first played at Thomas Jefferson's inauguration in 1801 and has participated in every inauguration since.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

Master Sgt. Jihoon Chang, foreground, and fellow bass clarinet player Staff Sgt. Andrew Dees of 'The President's Own' U.S. Marine Band rehearse for their big performance on Monday.

Jan. 17, 2013

Master Sgt. Jihoon Chang, foreground, and fellow bass clarinet player Staff Sgt. Andrew Dees of "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band rehearse for their big performance on Monday.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

A copy of the sheet music for John Philip Sousa's 'Semper Fidelis,' which the band is scheduled to play in Monday's Inauguration Day parade.

Jan. 17, 2013

A copy of the sheet music for John Philip Sousa's "Semper Fidelis," which the band is scheduled to play in Monday's Inauguration Day parade.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

Master Gunnery Sgt. Betsy Hill keeps her eyes on Col. Michael J. Colburn, the band's director.

Jan. 17, 2013

Master Gunnery Sgt. Betsy Hill keeps her eyes on Col. Michael J. Colburn, the band's director.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

Many volumes of Marine Band leaders' logbooks are kept at the Marine Barracks Annex. Entries in the books, original manuscripts written by John Philip Sousa and news accounts keep memories of previous inaugurations and other performances alive.

Jan. 17, 2013

Many volumes of Marine Band leaders' logbooks are kept at the Marine Barracks Annex. Entries in the books, original manuscripts written by John Philip Sousa and news accounts keep memories of previous inaugurations and other performances alive.

Matt McClain / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

At the Marine Barracks Annex, Master Gunnery Sgt. D. Michael Ressler, historian with the U.S. Marine Band, poses for a portrait near a painting of John Philip Sousa. 'This is the biggest day in a Marine Band member's life,' says Ressler, the longest-serving current member of the band. 'It's the hardest day. But it's probably the greatest day.'

Jan. 17, 2013

At the Marine Barracks Annex, Master Gunnery Sgt. D. Michael Ressler, historian with the U.S. Marine Band, poses for a portrait near a painting of John Philip Sousa. "This is the biggest day in a Marine Band member's life," says Ressler, the longest-serving current member of the band. "It's the hardest day. But it's probably the greatest day."

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

Started in 1798, 'The President's Own' will turn 215 years old on July 11. On Monday, it will play about 30 numbers throughout the inaugural ceremony; march and play in the inaugural parade; and perform at the Commander in Chief's Ball.

Jan. 18, 2013

Started in 1798, "The President's Own" will turn 215 years old on July 11. On Monday, it will play about 30 numbers throughout the inaugural ceremony; march and play in the inaugural parade; and perform at the Commander in Chief's Ball.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

Precision is key for the U.S. Marine Band.

Jan. 18, 2013

Precision is key for the U.S. Marine Band.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

Staff Sgt. Gabriel Gitman, right center, holds his French horn as he and other members of 'The President's Own' wrap up their rehearsal for Monday's Inauguration Day parade.

Jan. 18, 2013

Staff Sgt. Gabriel Gitman, right center, holds his French horn as he and other members of "The President's Own" wrap up their rehearsal for Monday's Inauguration Day parade.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 13: Many seminary graduates are choosing not to become pastors. Rebecca J. Cole received her Master of Divinity and is becoming a community organizer on Capitol Hill. She hugs another graduate after the ceremony. The 2013 Commencement ceremony for Wesley Theological Seminary was held on May 13 at the Washington National Cathedral. (Photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Eager to minister, but not from the pulpit

An increasing number of divinity students who don’t plan to become pastors envision using their degrees to “minister” in a...

ARLINGTON, VA- MAY 17: Thousands of bike enthusiasts took to the streets Friday, May 17, 2013 in celebration of Bike to Work day. Bikers leave the Rosslyn Gateway Park pit stop on Friday morning. Commuter Connections and The Washington Area Bicyclist Association hosted cyclists at 70 pit stops across the metropolitan region. (Photo by Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

Thousands participate in Bike to Work Day

More than 14,000 people registered for the area's annual celebration of commuting on two wheels.

epa03704474 A Muslim woman at the ThetKalPyin temporary relief camp near Sittwe in Rakhine State, Western Myanmar, 17 May 2013. A total of 13 people were confirmed dead in neighboring Bangladesh as people began to return home from shelters, a day after Cyclone Mahasen hit the coast, officials said 17 May. EPA/NYEIN CHAN NAING

Photos of the day

Cyclone Mahasen, Texas tornadoes, puffin census, melting Swiss glacier and more.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 16: American Idol Season 12 Winner Candice Glover (C) is seen onstage during Fox's 'American Idol 2013' Finale Results Show at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Candice Glover wins 12th season of ‘American Idol’

The 23-year-old vocal powerhouse from St. Helena Island, S.C., tops competition in her third try.

US actress Claire Julien smiles on May 16, 2013 while posing during a photocall for the film 'The Bling Ring' at the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes. Cannes, one of the world's top film festivals, opened on May 15 and will climax on May 26 with awards selected by a jury headed this year by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)

Eye on entertainment

Claire Julien, David Hasselhoff, Freida Pinto, Candice Glover, Martin Short and more.

**LOC IMAGE** Geo. Hamilton, Assistant Superintendent, Cambria Iron Mills house, Johnstown Flood, May 31st, 1889. (Photo by Ernest Walter Histed / Library of Congress)

The Johnstown Flood of 1889

On May 31, 1889, the South Fork dam that held Lake Conemaugh failed, and 20 million tons of water descended upon Johnstown, Pa. The flood claimed the lives of 2,209 people and spurred...

HACIPASA, TURKEY - MAY 5: Syrian refugee Hala ponders her life on the run on Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Hacipasa, Turkey. Three times this morning, the sounds of aircrafts were followed by explosions that shook the ground. Hacipasa, which sits just across the river border from Syria, is home of several hundred Syrian refugees who have been displaced by their home country's conflict. For a year, Hala and her family have been displaced from their home village in Syria because of violent conflict. After bouncing from village to village, fleeing bombings that seemed to follow them, the family crossed into Turkey six weeks ago. Initially, the family was deported back into Syria, where they lived in camps for internally displaced Syrians. But when the camps were bombed, the family was allowed to cross into Turkey. Hala said, 'The blood of the people who died in Syria, the martyrs, is our sad song, but nobody is listening.' (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Turkey faces a refugee crisis

More than 400,000 Syrians have crossed into Turkey seeking refuge from the conflict at home. Finding its resources stretched, Turkey is urgently appealing for international aid and...

(FILES) In this file picture taken on January 31, 2013 British football player David Beckham poses presenting his new jersey after a press conference at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. David Beckham is to retire from professional football at the end of the season, his representative announced on May 16, 2013. The 38-year-old midfielder has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan, as well as winning 115 caps for England, and recently won the French Ligue 1 championship with Paris Saint-Germain. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

David Beckham announces his retirement

The 38-year-old British soccer superstar says he will retire when his French team’s season ends May 26.

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