The Stars and Stripes Forever

The Stars and Stripes Forever is the Sousa march Harry S. Truman conducted at a benefit performance of the Kansas City Philharmonic. In the account of his later years, the performance stands out as a public appearance in full evening dress, just before he and Bess Truman left for a quieter summer in Europe.

The Benefit Performance

At the Kansas City Philharmonic benefit, Truman appeared in white tie and tails and took the podium to conduct the orchestra in The Stars and Stripes Forever. The account gives no further details about the performance, but records the combination of a formal occasion, a full orchestra, and Truman leading the march himself.

Place in Truman’s Later Years

The performance was followed by another summer sojourn in Europe. This trip was described as more private and quiet than earlier travel: Truman and Bess Truman toured the South of France with Sam and Dorothy Rosenman. Set between the benefit and the journey, the conducting episode links a public appearance at home with a retreat into private travel.